If you haven’t visited Uhuru Park lately, you are in for a delightful surprise. The Nairobi icon we love and remember from school trips, Sunday walks, and political rallies has had a facelift, and the transformation is something to see.
I recently strolled through the newly reopened park on behalf of Kendirita Tours, and it was like reconnecting with an old friend. The soul is still the same, but the vibe is completely different- it’s elevated.
Context: Temporary Closure of the Park
Uhuru Park was closed to the public in November 2021 to undergo a major renovation and modernization project led by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).
The goal was simple: to create a safe, accessible, and beautiful green space that would serve all (Nairobians and visitors) for generations to come. It was quietly reopened in phases starting early 2024, with full access granted as of 2025.
A Park for Everyone
The beauty of the renovated Uhuru Park is that it still belongs to everyone, and entry is absolutely free. You’ll find kids racing along paved paths, teens creating videos near the fountains, young love birds on little walks, and older couples enjoying a bench view of the glistening pond.
If you’re a visitor, this is a great spot to pause between the busy buzz of the city and your next adventure. Uhuru Park is the little pocket of peace that we all need from time to time.
The Upgrade
The new paving is tidy and walkable, perfect for strolls or light jogging. The landscaping is fresh, it’s well-lit, and there are thoughtful touches everywhere, like big benches under big shade trees. The park also boasts curated sitting spaces, open lawns -perfect for picnics with friends, and vast seating pods for reading a book or journaling, or both.
There’s also a lovely blend of the old with the new. The historical significance of Uhuru Park hasn’t been erased. It has been honoured in a design that makes it more usable and beautiful.
A Local’s Tip
Kendirita Tours takes on such trips both to our delight and to the benefit of our travelers. We want you to be adequately prepared and sufficiently furnished with the best information possible. To that end, Uhuru Park receives about 2,000 visitors every weekend, with the number being much higher on Christmas and other public holidays.
As a pro-tip, consider visiting on a weekday morning if you can. It’s quieter, the light is soft, and you’ll get to have a real feel of the place.
Bring a book, carry some water, and pack a snack. But even if you do not pack anything, there will be local vendors nearby selling delicious Kenyan treats. And on a hot day, an ice-cream trolley will appear near you with the coldest tubs of refreshments.
If you’re into photography (beginners and pros alike), the new installations offer perfect frames and backdrops, and the views of the city are simply surreal.
And if you’re traveling solo, especially on a wellness trip or on a slow-travel of some kind, Uhuru Park makes for a gentle first stop, before you dive into Kenya’s more rugged adventures.
The new Uhuru Park is a love letter to the people and the visitors of Nairobi. It is proof that major cities can be inclusive, serene, and stylish all at once. Nairobi has always had rhythm, but now, it also has this beautiful pause, right at the heart of the city.
Writer: Winnie Wekesa