Evening at the Uhuru Gardens
As the country ushers it’s Jubilee season, we take you to Uhuru gardens memorial park. Uhuru Gardens is located in the Lang’ata area of Nairobi, along Lang’ata Road, bordering Carnivore Restaurant to the south and Wilson Airport to the east. It is at the park that freedom/independence from British colonial rule was declared. A crowd of over 40,000 gathered to watch the proceedings as the Union jack was lowered and the Kenyan flag raised.
Different views of the Independence commemorative monument, constructed in 1973 upon the spot where Uhuru (freedom/independence) from colonial rule was declared. The monument is a 24-meter high triumphal column, supporting a pair of clasped hands and a dove of peace. On one side of this monument is a statue of freedom fighters raising the Kenyan flag.
This other monument was inaugurated in 1987 to commemorate 25 years of independence.
A fig tree marks the spot where the national flag was first hoisted after the Union Jack (flag of the United Kingdom) was lowered.
The expansive grounds are a favorite with picnic lovers which include secluded spots under some of the scattered trees in the area.
Loving the golden effect of the evening sun rays.
Views of the Nairobi skyline from a distance.
The park seems to be popular going by the number of cars and considering it was a weekday.
Traffic along Langata road near the park entrance.
The sun finally sets on the park.
Verdict: A popular place for picnics. Entry is free for locals, although a fee is charged for large (unorganized) groups and also for organized groups a small fee is also charged if a car is used. You can bring your own food and drink. Very relaxed atmosphere however the grass is not really well maintained .
The Author All posts
10 Comments
What makes the difference between an organized and unorganized group?
Un-organized: a group of guys or friends from say an estate out
of the blue decide to go chill and probably do some activity at the park, then they
may be considered unorganized.
Organized: A youth group, a church, an organization or any
other group that specifically planned and organized to visit the park and
identify themselves as such at the entrance.
Hope that answers your question.
Nice. My dad goes on about how he was there that night all those years ago. He says the atmosphere was amazing. It saddens him how our leaders then divided us.
I love the pictures.
I remember way before Blankets and Wine, we’d go chill there on sundays and have picnics.
I should do that soon.
Nice post.
Its so beautiful.I don’t believe that I lived a stone throw away and I have never been there….:(….will take my play date group..for the kids to run around…
Interesting, I always assumed that the independence celebrations had been held at Uhuru park! I use Langata rd daily to and from work and never been to the park, will make a point of visiting.
I like the pictures of the park and am pleased with what i can see and i will make a visit there on sunday for an out
[…] favorite spot to relax is in Uhuru Gardens, it is a public memorial park dedicated to those who died fighting for Kenya’s freedom. Nairobi […]
is there any fee charged lets say on people coming to take snaps/pictures in the park
Yes, they do charge a fee.