The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
Soon, the serene John Michuki Memorial Park along Kipande Road in Nairobi will be open to the public. This is after Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko announced that it’s in its final stage of restoration during a clean-up exercise at the park on July 20. Extensive renovations have been done and the once dark and filthy section of the Nairobi River, which runs through the park has now turned clear with its infamous stench gone.
Why Michuki?
The park was initially named Gertrude Swamp after the wife of prominent colonial businessman Colonel Ewart Grogan. Plans for the eponymous park honouring the late John Michuki were first announced soon after his death in February 2012 while serving as the Environment Minister. After his transfer to the environment ministry from the security docket in 2008, Michuki promised to clean up the filthy Nairobi River in conjunction with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
READ ALSO: PHOTOS-Nairobi’s pedestrian walkways transform city centre
Lures fish into Nairobi River
After a vigorous cleaning exercise, the 2.5 kilometre stretch of the river from the Museum roundabout to the Globe Cinema roundabout was clear and soon after, mudfish were spotted in some sections. Michuki’s bigger picture was to also clean both Mathare and Ngong rivers saying: “I will not stop until I see people fishing from the three rivers. It is a huge task, but we are headed there.”
READ ALSO: Picnics and alcoholic drinks banned from Ngong Hills Park
The man nicknamed Kimendero meaning the crusher had plans of ensuring Kenya has 10 percent forest cover by 2030 by planting 7.6 billion trees in 20 years. Before his forays in the environment docket, he’d already immortalised himself as transport minister for instilling order in the chaotic and rowdy matatu industry. He is also credited for smashing Mungiki and the Sabaot Land Defence Force during his tenure at the security docket.
Protecting the park
The John Michuki Memorial Park now sports greenery and walking paths as the Nairobi River lazily snakes its way through the park. To ensure the gains made so far in cleaning it are protected, Tobiko launched a 90-day crackdown on those polluting the river.
“We are starting a 90-day crackdown today; Nema will be spearheading the crackdown from here (Michuki Memorial Park) up to the source of the river at Ondiri swamp. We will also be dealing with Nairobi River tributaries,” he said.
In June, Tobiko told off a firm that lay claim to the park and wanted the rehabilitation stopped. Terming the move ‘ill-advised and misguided’, he cited the park's importance as a biodiversity hotspot and ecologically sensitive area harbouring several watersheds.
READ ALSO: Residents speak after CS Tobiko's threat to release wild animals into Langata estates
Check out the photos:
