Nairobi residents can once again enjoy one of the city’s most familiar green spaces after Central Park officially reopened to the public following nearly five years behind closed gates.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja announced the reopening, describing the park as a public asset that belongs to the people of Nairobi.
The reopening follows extensive rehabilitation work aimed at restoring the park’s green spaces, walkways and recreational facilities while improving safety and the overall experience for visitors.
The return of Central Park also means Nairobi residents now have another public recreational space in the heart of the city, with Uhuru Park also open following its earlier transformation.
Central Park Reopens After Nearly Five Years
Central Park was closed in September 2021 as part of a programme to rehabilitate and modernise Nairobi’s major public parks.
The works were intended to address deteriorating facilities, improve safety and upgrade recreational amenities.
However, the reopening took considerably longer than initially expected.
Reports have linked the prolonged closure to outstanding works, questions surrounding project completion and payments, as well as the formal handover of the facility to Nairobi City County.
The park finally returned to public use on September 14, 2026, giving Nairobians access to a refreshed green space in the Central Business District.
Central Park Gives Nairobians a New Recreational Space
The reopening means residents can once again use the park for a variety of everyday activities.
Central Park provides space for walking, relaxing, socialising, taking photographs and spending time with friends and family.
Its location in the middle of Nairobi makes it particularly accessible to people working and living around the city centre.
For families, the reopening provides another option for spending time outdoors without having to leave the CBD.
The restored walkways and greenery also offer residents an opportunity to take a break from the busy city environment.
Governor Sakaja Welcomes Central Park’s Return
Governor Johnson Sakaja said the reopening was part of his administration’s efforts to restore Nairobi’s public spaces.
He emphasised that Central Park is a public facility intended for Nairobi residents and said the county government wants public spaces to remain accessible, safe, clean and properly maintained.
Sakaja also linked the reopening to the return of other public recreational spaces across the city.
According to the governor, Uhuru Park is open and Central Park is now open, giving Nairobians more opportunities to relax, walk and enjoy outdoor spaces.
The reopening therefore forms part of a broader effort by the county government to bring public spaces back into use.
Central Park and Uhuru Park Now Open
The reopening of Central Park follows the transformation and reopening of Uhuru Park.
With the two parks located next to each other, residents now have access to both public spaces in the heart of Nairobi.
The county government says the parks can be used for recreation, walking, family time and relaxation.
The reopening of both spaces is also expected to give Nairobi residents more choices when looking for green areas within the city.
For a city that continues to grow and become increasingly busy, accessible public spaces provide places where residents can step away from the pressure of the urban environment.
Central Park Rehabilitation Focused on Safety and Recreation
The rehabilitation of Central Park focused on several aspects of the facility.
The work included improvements to green spaces, walkways and recreational areas.
The aim was to modernise the park while creating a safer and more welcoming environment for people visiting the facility.
The improvements are now expected to be followed by continued maintenance.
Nairobi Green CECM Maureen Njeri said the county would focus on maintaining the park and ensuring the improvements are sustained.
She also called on residents to take care of the facility by keeping it clean and respecting the available amenities.
A Fresh Chapter for Nairobi’s Public Spaces
The reopening of Central Park marks a new chapter for one of Nairobi’s historic public recreational areas.
For almost five years, residents could see the park but could not freely use it while rehabilitation and other processes continued.
Its return now gives Nairobians another place to relax and enjoy nature without leaving the city centre.
The county government has also indicated that its work on public spaces will continue.
The reopening is therefore being presented as part of a wider effort to improve the quality and accessibility of recreational spaces throughout Nairobi.
Central Park Back in the Hands of the Public
For Nairobi residents, the most important development is simple: Central Park is open again.
After years of closure, the gates have reopened and the public can once again enjoy its greenery, walkways and recreational areas.
Together with Uhuru Park, the facility gives Nairobians two major public green spaces within the heart of the capital.
Governor Sakaja has urged residents to take ownership of the park, while county officials have emphasised the importance of keeping it clean and protecting its facilities.
The reopening therefore marks both the return of a familiar Nairobi landmark and the beginning of a new phase focused on maintaining the restored space.
After nearly five years of waiting, Central Park is once again available to the people of Nairobi.
