The main entrance to Kakamega’s Muliro Gardens |Photo courtesy|
Occupying 6.5 acres in the heart of Kakamega’s business district, Muliro Gardens was once infamous for its problematic history.
However, a series of revitalization efforts has changed that story.
Now, named after Kenya’s pioneering politician, Henry Pius Masinde Muliro, the park has emerged as a picturesque and inviting recreational space.
The area is decorated with indigenous trees, different bamboo varieties, metal seating, an assortment of flowers, garden lighting, and cobblestone pathways, all enhancing its breathtaking beauty.
Located between the Kakamega-Kisumu Highway, Sudi Road, and Mumias Highway, Muliro Gardens is adjacent to the County headquarters.
“Muliro has seen an extraordinary change since it made headlines for all the wrong reasons in 2011 and with the onset of devolution,” a resident commented.
In 2011, shocking images emerged online showing Muliro Gardens transformed into an open-air brothel, where couples engaged in intimate acts on benches during daylight. These images, taken by a hidden photographer, were later shared on the internet.
Today, that difficult era is in the past. Muliro Gardens is now officially designated as a national monument by the National Museums of Kenya, hosting esteemed events with no tolerance for mischief. It has once again become a tranquil recreational park.
The park, on the weekends, becomes crowded quickly as it’s the town’s sole recreational space. The park, enclosed by two entrances, operates daily from 6am to 6pm. Both entrances are locked after hours.
The county government has further enhanced its appeal by providing free Wi-Fi. “I come here sometimes to unwind and use the free Wi-Fi. Although it’s not available daily, it’s a valuable service,” says Mr. Michael.
A partnership between the County Government of Kakamega and the Kakamega Photographers Sacco, established in 2019, has helped restore Muliro Gardens’ former reputation.
“We handle security during the day, making sure visitors are not harassed by street children,” says Benjamin Sakwa, Chairman of the Sacco. In addition to security, Sacco members prevent littering and vandalism of park facilities and take care of the garden’s flowers, which they consider crucial for their business.
“In return for our services, the county government permits us to operate in the gardens. That’s why forming a Sacco, which now has over 20 members, was essential,” Sakwa explains. Only Sacco members are allowed to operate within the gardens.
Mr Frazier, a commercial photographer was seen at the park, arranging a black umbrella-shaped light modifier called a ‘soft box’ for a photo shoot.
“We make our income from photography here in these revamped gardens,” he explains. “Many clients come over the weekends. This location is ideal for photos. We usually charge Sh100 per session, with extra fees for photo editing. On a favorable day, I can make Sh2,000.”
Muliro Gardens also features toilet facilities and a cafeteria. Wesley Agwata, who manages the cafeteria, reports satisfactory returns, especially on weekends when the park is busy. During our visit, the cafeteria was bustling. “I serve fast foods, and the business thrives on weekends,” he says. “Many of our customers are students from nearby schools and Masinde Muliro University.”
Despite its success, the park faces challenges. “Occasionally, street children enter and ask my customers for food,” Agwata notes. “We address this by giving them any unsold food at the end of the day.”
However, environmental issues pose a threat. Recently, heavy winds and rains toppled several large trees in Muliro Gardens and surrounding areas. Some old trees were displaced so severely that their roots were exposed, creating potential hazards for visitors and nearby structures.