The Green Belt Movement has raised alarms over reports that the government plans to shrink parts of Uhuru Park and Central Park in Nairobi to expand Uhuru Highway.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Movement revealed that its members spotted survey beacons within sections of the parks, which points to early activity tied to the proposed project. The organization warned that destroying urban green spaces threatens biodiversity, climate resilience, public health, and every Kenyan’s constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment. Because of this, the group is demanding full disclosure from key government agencies regarding whether they have started or completed any approvals, consultations, or technical processes.
“These reports come at a time when public green spaces in Kenya continue to face increasing pressure from infrastructure development, commercial interests and changing land use. The Green Belt Movement reminds all public authorities that Uhuru Park and Central Park are protected public land under Article 62(1)(1) of the Constitution and gazetted public recreational facilities held in trust for present and future generations,” the group stated.
The Movement made it clear that any proposal to cut back, alienate, reduce, or change the use of these parks must strictly comply with the law. This legal path requires approval from the Nairobi City County Assembly, active public participation, official gazettement, and approval from the National Land Commission.
Furthermore, the project must secure an Environmental Impact Assessment, a license from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and complete all necessary survey and land registration processes.
“We therefore call upon the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Nairobi City County Government, the National Land Commission (NLC), NEMA, and the Ministry of Roads and. Transport and the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development to publicly disclose whether any approvals, assessments, consultations, surveys or administrative processes relating to the proposed acquisition of land from Uhuru Park and Central Park have been initiated or completed,” reads the statement.
The Movement specifically urged KeNHA to clarify whether it plans to acquire, cut back, or use any portion of Uhuru Park or Central Park to expand Uhuru Highway. They want KeNHA to reveal the exact acreage they intend to take from each park, the legal basis and justification for the project, and whether teams have undertaken any environmental, social, or feasibility assessments. Furthermore, the group demands that the Authority make these reports available for public scrutiny.
The group also asked the Nairobi County government to disclose whether it has conducted any public participation processes regarding the project. They are asking for the dates, locations, and records of those consultations, alongside confirmation on whether the County Assembly has debated or approved any proposal affecting the size or status of the two parks.
Turning to the National Land Commission (NLC), the Movement requested clarity on whether the commission has received or approved any requests to acquire, excise, or change the land use within the parks, or if it has conducted its own reviews or investigations. Similarly, they want the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to disclose whether anyone has submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment study for review and if the regulator has issued or is considering any environmental licenses.
The Green Belt Movement cited the constitutional requirement for public participation in decisions involving public land and resources, insisting that authorities must inform and consult Kenyans before making such choices.
“Uhuru Park remains a powerful symbol of environmental justice and democratic participation. It was preserved through the courage and determination of citizens led by Professor Wangari Maathai, who understood that public green spaces are essential to the well-being of current and future generations,” it said.
The organization also voiced concerns over Central Park remaining closed, despite court orders directing officials to reopen it to the public. They noted that this reflects a continuous failure to uphold public access rights. They warned that Kenya should prioritize protecting and expanding green spaces rather than shrinking them, especially since global cities are actively growing their urban green cover to fight climate change and improve living conditions.
Finally, the group urged Kenyans, civil society groups, professional bodies, environmental defenders, and citizens to remain vigilant and demand transparency and accountability. The organization promised to monitor developments closely and take legal, advocacy, and civic action whenever necessary to protect the parks.
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