Nakuru’s Nyayo Gardens Park to get a Sh80m facelift

Nakuru County government has embarked on an ambitious project to refurbish Nyayo Gardens Park.

Mr Kiogora Muriithi, the county chief officer in charge of Environment, Energy and Natural Resources on Sunday said that the project will cost Sh80 million.

“Soon, Nyayo Gardens will be the town’s most beautiful place for residents to relax and enjoy fresh air,” said Mr Muriithi.

“The park will give our town an identity as per UN Habitat agenda of creating a stress free city,” he added.

Many residents hope that the park, which is frequented by many people during lunch breaks, will soon be a lovely site for picnics. 

RECREATION

“The refurbished recreational facility will enhance social integration,” said Governor Lee Kinyanjui adding that once completed, the park will change the face of Nakuru Town.

Some of the key attractions to be erected in the park is a bronze statue in honour of Nobel Peace Laureate Prof Wangari Maathai and a water fountain.

The square will also have a children’s play zone where they will be educated on conserving the environment.

Other highlights at the park will be a public gathering square and the Commonwealth War memorial pillar.

There will be a display of major activities in the county such as geothermal plant and pyrethrum farming.

LAKE NAKURU

Tourist attraction sites like Lake Nakuru National Park, Mau Forest, Subukia Shrine and craters will also be displayed on the walls.   

The first phase of the project will cost Sh19 million. It will include the construction of a perimeter wall, three gates, information centre, office, candy shop and ablution block. Mr Muriithi said that a similar park will be constructed in Naivasha town.

Mr Joseph Kiarie, a frequent visitor of the park whenever he is in town for the hearing of the long running succession case said he was surprised to find the facility fenced with iron sheets.

He said that in the past, he could walk freely into the dilapidated Nyayo Gardens.   

“I went round the park looking for the entrance, I thought I was in the wrong place, all I could hear was construction work going on in the park,” said Mr Kiarie.

FENCED

Pastor Aggrey Lung’aho of Evangelical Faith Ministries, who had been preaching in the park before he shifted to Nairobi was equally surprised.

“Previously I used to enter the park through the gate opposite Kenyatta Avenue. However, when I came, I thought I was in another part of the town since the entrance had been barricaded by iron sheets,” said Pastor Lung’aho.

Photographers who had been operating in the park woke up one morning only to find their place of work fenced.

“I thought the land had been grabbed by a private developer,” said a photographer.