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{
    "id": 1499194,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1499194/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 57,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kinangop, JP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Kwenya Thuku",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13380,
        "legal_name": "Zachary Kwenya Thuku",
        "slug": "zachary-kwenya-thuku"
    },
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I will start with the one that was requested by the Member for Lang’ata Constituency, Hon. Phelix Odiwuor, alias Jalas Jalang’o. He sought a Statement regarding the current management and public access to Uhuru Gardens. The Member for Lang’ata Constituency, Hon Phelix Odiwuor sought for a Statement, pursuant to Standing Order 44(2)(c), regarding the current management and public access to Uhuru Gardens. He specifically raised the following concerns in his Request for Statement: 1. Clarification on whether Uhuru Gardens will remain an open public space as was earlier or has become a space of controlled visits and access; 2. A report on the status of completion of renovations of Uhuru Gardens by the Kenya Defence Forces and when the public will be granted access; 3. The reasons for permission of certain activities at Uhuru Gardens while the general public is denied access; and 4. Plans in place to ensure that Uhuru Gardens is listed on the eCitizen Platform, specifically the 222222 portal, to allow citizens to make payments or bookings for public access and events, thus ensuring accountability and transparency. The Committee engaged the Ministry of Defence on the above concerns raised by Hon Phelix Odiwuor. I therefore, wish to respond to the issues as follows: For clarification on public access to Uhuru Gardens, the Ministry confirmed that Uhuru Gardens remains a public space. However, it was closed for renovations. Once these works are completed, the Gardens will reopen to the public. The facility includes a museum and open spaces with priority given to completing the main stadium, which is already hosting events including national celebrations. Other areas, including museum galleries remain under construction and will open once fully completed. On the status of renovations and timelines for public access, the Ministry stated that the project is approximately 80 per cent complete, with artefacts and exhibition components at 60 per cent completion. While full access will be granted upon the completion of the project, there will be a partial opening to select groups to allow for system testing. The Ministry assured that the project will fully reopen when construction is concluded, and exhibition content for galleries are adequate. On permission for activities amid limited public access, the Ministry clarified that although the project is not fully completed, certain sections such as the main stadium and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior are complete. The complete areas are open to the public whenever required, noting that the Ministry allows members of the public to use the main stadium on request. Several events have been held at the venue including national celebrations and the Standard Chartered Marathon. The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior regarded as a sacred site, is available for dignitaries to honour fallen heroes through wreath-laying ceremonies. On listing on eCitizen platform, the Ministry confirmed that Uhuru Gardens Museum and Monument will be listed on the eCitizen platform once the project is completed and commissioned. This is in line with government policy, and the Ministry assured compliance with the requirement to enable payments and bookings, ensuring accountability and transparency. I submit. Thank you."
}