The revamped Kamukunji site in Nairobi is now a paradise for children to play

Ismael Muli, a long-time resident of Shauri Moyo, has been observing the development of his neighborhood for over 20 years. Yet there is nothing quite like the remarkable transformation of the Kamukunji site, now proudly known as Kamukunji Park. Once a simple, unused space, it has become a lively park full of laughter and joy.

His children, now grown, never had a place like this to call their own. They grew up without a safe place to play and meet friends, and their childhood was marked by the absence of such a vibrant community center. But now, as he sees his grandchildren running through the lush green grass, their eyes sparkling with excitement, his heart swells with happiness.

“It’s incredible to see how much this place has changed. Once overgrown and neglected, it is now a beautifully maintained area where everyone can relax, sleep and hang out with friends. The cleanliness and safety here are remarkable; you can really enjoy it.” Your time without the constant fear of theft.

He notes that the place was a hotspot for petty crime, pickpockets lurked and the grass was left uncut. But now it feels like a real sanctuary.

“We no longer have to walk all the way to Uhuru Park to find a quiet place; we have our own safe place right here. Life in tin houses can get hot, so it’s great to have this space for us and our children. It’s wonderful.” See how the neighborhood children play freely, knowing they can have fun without fear.

Hellen Christine from Kinyago loves going to the park with her daughter to play without having to worry about her touching dirty things. There is no safe place in their neighborhood for children to play without having to deal with trash.

“This place is wonderful,” she says. “I can relax from a stressful week while my daughter plays freely. When she gets tired, we can both take a nap and call it a day. I try to come here every weekend whenever I have the chance,” says Christine.

She says many people still don’t know they can bring their children here to play. Instead, they hike to Uhuru Park, although the park near them offers plenty of space and fun games for children.

Farida Abdi, a mother of two from Majengo, and her neighbors take turns every weekend to take their children to the park. Here, children enjoy activities such as trampoline jumping, swimming and playing on bouncy castles, all at an affordable price.

“The park is free and games like swings cost nothing. It’s a huge space where the children can run around and make friends. “Plus, the area is fenced, so I don’t have to worry about my child wandering around, getting lost or getting lost,” she explains.

Farida also appreciates that there are people who look after the children. Parents can even drop off their children, go to work and pick them up again in the evening. If they come as a group, the children can easily find their way home together.

“I am so grateful for the initiative that has transformed this park. She has really helped our community and we are really happy that our children are having such a great time,” she says.

Kamukunji Grounds, once a neglected part of the community, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a trash-strewn, disused area to a vibrant, well-maintained theme park.

Historically, the venue played a crucial role in Kenya’s fight for multi-party democracy.

On July 7, 1990, a major rally called Saba Saba was held here, symbolizing the fight against one-party rule. This rally, which advocated political pluralism, was violently repressed by the government of former President Daniel Arap Moi, resulting in beatings, detentions and widespread unrest across the country.

The park was ignored for years, often crowded with street families and littered with trash. However, a dedicated local, community-based organization recognized the potential of this underutilized space and set out to rejuvenate it.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan has been a key proponent of improving the Kamukunji site.

Eight years ago he proposed declaring the site a national monument because of its historical significance. In a motion presented to the National Assembly, he pointed out that the site had been forgotten despite its important role in Kenya’s political history.

The revitalization project began in 2020 following the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A group of 19 self-help organizations have come together to form the Kamukunji Environmental Conservation Champions (KECC), with the aim of restoring the park to its former glory and creating a space where the community can have fun and be proud.

Thanks to these efforts, the park now attracts hundreds of visitors daily and provides a clean and welcoming environment in which to relax and unwind.

The park is open and free to everyone and has different areas: a children’s corner, a leisure area and a mental health area. The children’s corner is fenced to ensure a safe play environment. Adults are not allowed in this area.

Fatuma Wanjiru, the secretary of KECC, says the park has brought children from the slums together and is the only green space where they can play.

“On weekends like Saturdays, over 200 children come to this park to play. “We don’t let children play during school hours, but we prepare porridge for those who spend the whole day here without going home,” she explains.

Fatuma notices that some children now come specifically for the porridge. While many games are free, activities such as the trampoline charge a small fee of Sh50 to help with maintenance.

“There is no age limit; all children are welcome. The younger ones often come with their parents. This green space also provides opportunities for environmental conservation as some children have adopted trees and water them every weekend.”

However, she mentions challenges such as financial instability and the desire of some residents to privatize the park, which is not their intention.

“We want people to own this space. The park is free for everyone and we encourage parents to bring their children. Our goal is to make this park even bigger and better for the entire community.”