Blow To Nairobi Residents As Kiambu Bans Park & Chill Parties

The County Commissioner specifically cited tea plantations along Kiambaa, Limuru and Githunguri as party hotspots which have attracted revellers from nearby Nairobi County owing to their lush-green views.

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Dec 13, 2023 - 19:28 Updated: Dec 13, 2023 - 19:42
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Blow To Nairobi Residents As Kiambu Bans Park & Chill Parties
A previous Park and Chill event in Kiambu county. /TIKTOK

Kiambu County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha has banned the holding of roadside parties popularly known as 'Park and Chill' in some parts of the county.

Nkanatha who spoke during the Jamhuri Day celebrations on Tuesday, December 12, expressed concern on behalf of the government regarding the park and chill hangouts claiming that they involve alcohol and drugs.

The County Commissioner specifically cited tea plantations along Kiambaa, Limuru and Githunguri as party hotspots which have attracted revellers from nearby Nairobi County owing to their lush-green views.

"There is something that has been happening since the time of COVID-19 where young Kenyans have been driving their cars from Nairobi County to Limuru and Githunguri sub-counties to come and do parties where they drink and sometimes engage in sexual activities. We are saying that these games we have banned them completely," he announced.

Kiambu County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha. /PEOPLE DAILY

Nkanatha stated that the county security committee will work with the county government to ensure that anyone consuming alcohol in a given area must hold a valid operating permit.

Furthermore, he assured that the authorities would be on high alert amidst the Christmas and New Year parties on the horizon.

"On the roadside, there is no permit that is there and they also come with a DJ and we are saying we will go on with the crackdown to ensure such kind of behaviour comes to an end," he added.

"We want them to make sure that the citizens are safe. We do not want to hear about alcoholism and the usage of drugs and be wary of illegal aliens. It is time for every leader whether they are in uniform or not to make sure that we end this problem."

The CC lamented that the parties were resulting in noise pollution, as what should be a sparsely populated and quiet residential area has prompted residents to raise a series of complaints.

He, however, advised people to drink responsibly during the festive season should they feel the need to do so, and if they are travelling to various places.

"Being the festive season some people overindulge in alcoholism while others will leave their homes to go visit their loved ones upcountry and I urge them to stay alert,” he stated.

Where Have 'Park and Chill' Hangouts Come From?

The growing urge to hold 'Park and Chill' hangouts reflects a significant change in social preferences among Kenyans.

The trend that has been in existence for two months has seen Kenyans who own cars and are out for a good time and cheap thrills, driving to a location near Limuru where they've identified an open area from where they party while either seated in their cars or just dancing around a DJ's set.

The choice of these open-air escapades has been an answer to the question whereby young Kenyans are opting for affordable open spaces compared to pricey options such as shopping malls and coffee shops amidst the high cost of living in the country.

So what exactly is fueling this trend? One of the primary reasons behind the popularity of park and chill hangouts is the desire to connect with nature.

Urban areas these days are devoid of green spaces, making parks a haven for those seeking refuge from the concrete jungle. Kenyan youth are increasingly valuing the therapeutic benefits of spending time outdoors, surrounded by trees, grass, and fresh air.

Unlike conventional hangouts that may require a considerable financial investment, park and chill gatherings are budget-friendly, as you enjoy great company with friends without worrying about how many hundreds or thousands you are taking out of your bank account.

A park and chill event. /FACEBOOK

Whether it's playing sports, sharing a picnic, or simply lounging on the grass, these gatherings create a space for people to forge connections, some of which can be long-lasting and can manifest into something romantic.

Park and Chill, And COVID-19

The trend was hugely popular during the COVID-19 season as most nightclubs had been ordered shut by the government thus forcing Kenyans to be ingenious and discover ways to gather and party.

Limuru's tea plantations rose to be the perfect location for wild, outdoor parties due to several factors, among them its expanse, the clean air, the picturesque views and its remoteness.

Tired of the usual nightclub routine and with an entertainment business environment growing tougher like every other business, these Kenyans prefer to dictate their partying life and carpool for an afternoon of music, hedonism and untamed indulgence.

Unlike the COVID-19 days, these Park and Chill events now feature a DJ and an MC who can be seen playing a LIVE set as the drunken crowd dances around them.

Numerous viral videos shared online show massive crowds of young Kenyans dancing wildly around their cars, mostly Subarus and other flashy and brightly-coloured SUVs.

Critics of the wildly popular event have, however, expressed concerns regarding the carelessness shown by the thrill-seekers with many castigating them for littering, noise pollution and causing traffic obstruction thus becoming a danger to themselves and other motorists too, prompting the CC's action as aforementioned.

Park and Chill Elsewhere

It's not just the Limuru tea farms alone. Park and Chill events have also been common in Kikuyu, Ngong and Kiambu Road as well as the spectator stages during the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally held every year.

Lately, the police have moved in to tame the parties and scatter the revellers with many attendees taking to TikTok to lament the police's actions terming them unfair and uncalled for.

Robberies too have been reported with many women claiming to lose their handbags to petty criminals who are said to arrive on motorbikes, stage a quick robbery and then ride off into the bushes.

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