Uhuru Gardens — Attraction in Nairobi

Welcome to most amazing kenya's garden commemorating Kenyans independence. The word Uhuru is of Swahili origin and it means freedom. This is one of the Kenyan destination that holds a great significance to the Kenyan people because of the history it holds. When Kenya finally achieved its independence, a great celebration was hosted at this garden and at mid night the black Jack - British Flag was lowered and the Kenyan Flag was raised at mid night of 12-12-1963. The garden has two monuments and a mugumo tree to commemorate the independence day and it stands to continue telling and reminding us of our history. In 1966 Uhuru gardens were officially declared a National Monument.

On 10th December 1983 H. E. Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, the second president of Kenya, laid the foundation of the stone for the first monument to mark the 20th Anniversary of Kenyas Independence. He commissioned it on 12th December, 1986. The main features on this monument are people raising the flag of Kenya. The middle sculpture has a dove signifying peace, a heart signing love and clasped hands signifying unity. The human sculptures standing at alert signifies readiness to defend the nation.

On 6th December, 1988 H. E. Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi commissioned the second monument to commemorate 25th Anniversary of Kenya's Independence. The theme of the monument is based on Nyayo philosophy of peace, love and Unity. The three human sculptures, demonstrate the unity of Kenyan people to work towards achieving the same goals.

The Mugumo tree is symbolic as it was planted by Kenyan first president H. E. Mzee Jomo Kenyatta in 1964 on the spot where the Union Jack (British flag) was brought down and Kenya’s national flag hoisted. The tree is culturally important to many African communities and is known to live for many years making it a good symbol to commemorate such an event.

Uhuru Gardens has varieties of flora and fauna, the savannah woodland extending from the Nairobi national park making it an ideal place for birding,the Red collared Widowbird and the rare Jackson's  Widowbird breeds on the  grasslands

In a small forest of yellow backed acacia at the edge of the gardens,Brown Parisoma, Buff-bellied Warblers, Spotted morning Thrush,Cuckoos and both Cinnamon and Little Bee-eaters are commonly seen

A small pond is also active with Holub's and Grosbeak Weavers,Black Crake, Common Moorhen,Hadada Ibis

A family of about six Warthogs have found home in Uhuru Gardens

In addition to the historical significance, Uhuru Gardens continues to attract various events as a recreational park. Uhuru Gardens is popular as a rest area for families and friends, a must visit for schools and in recent times has gained popularity as an events venue for corporate launches, concerts...

Uhuru Gardens is a national monument located along Langata road, which is 15 minutes drive from the city center. It is one of Kenya’s largest Memorial Parks. Uhuru is a swahili word meaning freedom.

The gardens were officially declared a National Monument in 1966 because of their historical importance, because it is Kenya’s birthplace. This is where the first Independent Kenyan flag was first raised, thus marking the very first year of Independence on the 12th December 1963.

To commemorate Kenya’s independence, two monuments were constructed therein and a Mugumo (fig) tree planted. The Mugumo tree is symbolic as it was planted on the spot where the Union Jack, which is the British flag, was brought down, and Kenya’s national flag was first hoisted.

In addition to the historical significance, Uhuru Gardens continues to attract various events as a recreational park. It is popular as a rest area for families and friends, a must visit for schools and in recent times, it has gained popularity as an events venue for corporate launches, concerts, weddings, film location just to name a few. On this specific date when I took the attached pictures, I and my family had attended the first ever #GrandNairobiBikeRace where surrounding roads were closed to vehicular traffic in order to allow the bike race to go on unfettered.

For those who are looking for a secure jogging spot, this is the perfect location for keeping fit. Other Nairobians enjoy coming here just to relax and reflect. Others come to chew khat with their friends; while others come to the club to have a drink...

The gardens were officially declared a National Monument in 1966 because of the historically importance.Of importance to note is that it is Kenya’s birthplace. This is where the first Kenyan flag was first raised and thus marking the very first year of independence on the 12th December 1963.Within the garden are two monuments commemorating Kenya’s independence, and a Mugumo (fig) tree.The Mugumo tree is symbolic as it was planted on the spot where the Union Jack (British flag) was brought down and Kenya’s national flag was first hoisted. The site was a diversity of native flora and fauna of savannah woodland.In addition to the historical significance, Uhuru Gardens continues to attract various events as a recreational park. It is popular as a rest area for families and friends, a must visit for schools and in recent times has gained popularity as an events venue for corporate launches, concerts, weddings, film location just to name a few. For those who are looking for a secure jogging spot, this is the perfect location for keeping fit.Future plans will include improving the park to have a wider variety of leisure activities for all. The Mashujaa/ heroes Corner will also be adjacent to this beautiful park which will mark as a reminder to celebrate our Kenyan heroes. So next time you pass by Langata Road, walk or drive in to enjoy our rich heritage that lives on...