[PHOTOS] Sakaja’s open-park policy draws thousands at Uhuru Park

On Christmas Day, Uhuru Park breathed again—alive with colour, voices and simple moments of joy—as thousands of Nairobi residents streamed into the green heart of the capital to mark the holiday together.

Families spread picnic mats by the waterfront, children laughed and ran freely, couples walked hand in hand beneath the trees, and groups gathered to share food, stories and the warmth of the season in a space that felt safe, vibrant and welcoming.

The scenes reflected the true spirit of Christmas—community, rest and shared happiness—made possible by the deliberate reopening and sustained management of the park by the Nairobi City County Government under Governor Sakaja Johnson.

Once inaccessible for long periods, Uhuru Park has now reclaimed its place as a public commons where all Kenyans can gather without barriers.

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Speaking on the philosophy behind the park’s management, Sakaja has consistently emphasized inclusivity over exclusivity.

“Uhuru Park has been open and remains open to the public every day. Every Kenyan is allowed to come and is welcome to enjoy their park,” he said.

“A public park is not available to be reserved for exclusive use during a public holiday. Other Kenyans will also want to enjoy. Kujeni tu mmoja mmoja mjae hakuna haja ya kuomba.”

That policy was visibly at work on Christmas Day. Rather than being fenced off or commercialised, the park remained accessible to everyone—rich or poor, young or old—reinforcing its identity as a true people’s park.

The festive mood was a continuation of the momentum built earlier this month during the Nairobi Festival held on December 12, where thousands gathered at Uhuru Park to celebrate culture, music, food and heritage.

The success of that event showcased the county’s investment in amenities, security, cleanliness and programming, proving that public spaces can be both well managed and widely accessible.

Sakaja has often framed Uhuru Park as a symbol of dignity and equality in the city.

“Public spaces must work for the public. When we invest in parks, we are investing in mental health, family life, social cohesion and the soul of the city,” the governor noted during the festival celebrations.

As Christmas unfolded under clear skies and against Nairobi’s iconic skyline, Uhuru Park stood as a quiet but powerful testament to what deliberate urban leadership can achieve—a shared space restored, protected and opened up for all.

For many families, this was not just a day out; it was a reminder that the city belongs to its people.