New-look Uhuru park: Giant airplane parked on grass excites Kenyans

The airplane which is only visible from certain vintage positions, is said to be one of the many exciting features introduced at the park.

The park has been undergoing renovations since September 2021 under the tutelage of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).

It's been nearly 12 months since the process to restore green spaces in the capital and transform them to international park standards began in earnest.

That process has seen the refurbished airplane added into a catalogue of new features Kenyans will get to enjoy once the park reopens. 

According to traders around the park, the airplane was towed into the park on August 5, during the afternoon hours.

“It was transported to this place on a lorry. The rear part of the plane was totally damaged and appeared to be covered with soot,” Agnes Mumbi, a trader in Nairobi told Wananchi Reporting.

It has since undergone restoration, and now boasts a fresh coat of blue and white paint; and it’s looking good.

“Those who unloaded it said it is likely to be converted into a small hotel where those visiting the park will eat at a fee,” added Mumbi.

According to the traders, many people have been wondering how the plane got to the park.

"There is obvious excitement among Kenyans, with some struggling to understand how it got here in the first place," said one of the traders.

Unlike before, the park will have among other things modern gates, walkways and fountains with swanky lawns to boot.

Boda-boda riders serving both Central and Uhuru Park are upbeat that once the Park is completed, they will make good money ferrying customers.

In July 2021, NMS Director Major General Mohammed Badi said the rehabilitation of Uhuru Park was aimed at improving its look.

“Uhuru Park is soon transforming into a modern recreation centre. Once we are done, it will be a totally different place,” said Badi.

Among the historic events that were hosted at the park was the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.

It was at this same venue that former president Mwai Kibaki took over power after the 2002 elections in an event that was attended by thousands of Kenyans.

Uhuru Park is a 12.9-hectare recreational park adjacent to the central business district of Nairobi and was opened to the public by the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta on May 23, 1969.