Residents of Nairobi will be allowed to visit and relax at recently-rehabilitated Michuli Forest from August.
The forest, named after former environment minister, the late John Michuki, has been undergoing a facelift to make it more appealing to city dwellers.
The entire park has been fenced off by the Ministry of Forestry; National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Kenya Forest Service (KFS).
Senior Principal Chief Julius Wanjau who has been coordinating the project says the park is set to benefit hundreds of city residents from far as Mathare, Kariobangi, Dandora, Huruma, Westlands and Parklands.
The park is set to have five parking slots for VIPs, open theatre, wooden benches made from trees harvested within the forest, garbage bins, a new five-kilomtre footpath for those who want to exercise, lights and attractive lawns extending to the river, as well as new taps for free drinking water.
“Michuki’s dream of swimming and fishing in this river has been achieved,” said the Principal Chief, adding that the project started in 2008.
A section of the 26-acre piece of land now has a permanent wall along Kipande Road and part of it towards Kijabe boasting of wire-meshed fences.
“With beefed up security the footpath can be used for jogging. It will also help university students and those who want to perform at the open theatre or events like weddings in the beautiful lawns.”
Principal Chief Wanjau handles many cases affecting wananchi withing the CBD on a daily basis.
The former Administration Police Senior Sergeant has been serving Nairobi since 2012 — and is now in charge of more than 100 chiefs in Nairobi.
