The Milimani Environment Court in Nairobi has ordered Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to reopen the Central Park with immediate effect.
The ruling was issued on Monday, December 16 following a petition filed by the Green Belt Movement.
Central Park, which is close to Uhuru Park has been closed for over three years following rehabilitation works.
"The ELC court has today ordered the immediate reopening of Central Park! Never doubt the power of the people when we stand together for our green spaces," The Green Belt Movement announced after the ruling.
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"Nairobians, the park is yours again. If denied access call us on 0700392106."
In November, the Nairobi County Government attributed the prolonged closure of Central Park to ongoing works being facilitated by the national government.
The works were expected to be completed in December 2024.
On the other hand, Uhuru Park was handed over by the Ministry of Defence on April 28, 2024, after rehabilitation works by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
"The park was officially handed over to Nairobi City County, by the National Government, on 28th April 2024 and has remained open other than the temporary closure caused by damages following recent protests witnessed across the city," read the statement by the county government.
"During these protests, property in the park was vandalized, including the caravan, aeroplanes, sculptures, and toilets. After investigations by relevant authorities, the park was cleared and cleaned up with the doors reopening on 28th September 2024 and has remained fully accessible to the public."
