Kenyans on X slam Governor Sakaja over plan to build nightclub at Uhuru Park

Plans by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to build a nightclub inside Uhuru Park grounds have been met with much derision, contempt and even disbelief online.

On Thursday, April 18, the Governor revealed his ambitious plan to introduce social facilities including a nightclub on the newly revamped Uhuru Park grounds.

Speaking during the official handover of Uhuru Park and Central Park from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Sakaja noted that he plans to make the park a brewing social and economic hub that will accommodate the Kenyan culture and generate more revenue for the county.

"We are going to issue tenders for the business facilities that are here. We have restaurants that need to be run, a PPP for people to build, there's a Biosphere restaurant, an African restaurant, a Swahili restaurant, there is a nightclub that is going to be here," he said.

"We agreed making noise in estates needs to stop, you can come here and scream until the cows come home because that is the zone. Sherehe mfanyie hapa!"

Immediately after the news did rounds online, Kenyans, especially on X, expressed their dissatisfaction with the absurd idea, with many chastising the Governor for what they termed as misplaced priorities and a flagrant trivialization of county policies.

Reacting on X, voice artist and social commentator Gathoni K said, "Build libraries please. Why do we need a club in a recreational park that families go to??? This is so crazy!"

Another user expressed their anger saying, "This man has refused to understand the purpose of Uhuru Park. Kenyans want green spaces, not a hotel or a night club! Free, accessible green spaces! Wangari Maathai did not fight so much just for this!"

On her part, Usikimye founder Njeri wa Migwi said, "Wangari Mathai fought for the preservation of Uhuru Park to stay as a green space that benefits the residents of Nairobi. Look for other areas to build your recreational facilities!"

Governance expert Scheaffer Okore too jumped in the fray, wondering why a nightclub was so important when Nairobians were grappling with an acute scarcity of much required facilities.

"Hello @SakajaJohnson Nairobians have asked severally for more green spaces, trees, streetlights beyond the expressway, walkable walkways, clean streets, libraries etc and a breathable city that they can feel safe and proud to live in. Why is a nightclub in a park your focus?" she wondered.

Sakaja's latest proposal coincides with many other controversial policies and ideas which have landed him in hot soup with various Nairobi associations.

Already, more than 26 professional and resident associations in Nairobi have emerged in opposition of his decision to allow the construction of skyscrapers in various parts of the city citing legal and environmental concerns.