Date: July 11, 2023
In a significant development, two of Nairobi’s iconic public parks, Uhuru Park and Central Park, have introduced a new fee structure for commercial video shoots, marking the end of their previous free-of-charge policy. Additionally, Jevanjee Gardens has also introduced charges for hosting music concerts, aimed at regulating the use of these public spaces for commercial purposes.
Effective immediately, individuals or organizations seeking to shoot commercial videos in Uhuru Park or Central Park will be required to pay a fee of Sh10,000 per hour. The charge applies to any professional video production activities undertaken within these parks, which were previously accessible without any cost. The move is expected to ensure better management and allocation of resources within the parks while providing a fair revenue stream for their maintenance.
Furthermore, Jevanjee Gardens, a popular venue for music events in Nairobi, has implemented a fee of Sh5,000 for any music concert held within its premises. This decision comes in response to the growing number of music events being organized in the park, which necessitates additional maintenance, security, and crowd management measures. By introducing the charges, the park management aims to ensure sustainable use of the venue for music concerts while generating funds for its upkeep and improvement.
The new fees imposed by these public parks have received mixed reactions from the public. While some citizens argue that the charges will discourage local artists and small businesses from utilizing these public spaces, others believe that the fees are necessary to maintain the parks’ facilities and preserve their natural beauty.
Notably, the implementation of these charges follows a trend observed in various cities around the world, where public spaces are increasingly monetized to balance the need for access with the costs associated with their maintenance and preservation. Such fees can contribute to the overall improvement of the parks and enhance the experiences of visitors.
The park management authorities have assured the public that revenue generated from these charges will be reinvested into park maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, and the facilitation of additional recreational activities. They emphasize their commitment to creating sustainable and well-maintained public spaces for the benefit of all visitors.
As these new charges take effect, it remains to be seen how they will impact the utilization of Uhuru Park, Central Park, and Jevanjee Gardens, and whether alternative venues will gain popularity among commercial video producers and music event organizers.
