Donholm: Nairobians on a tight budget troop to new picnic spot

A new picnic spot is gaining popularity among residents of Nairobi's Eastlands area operating on a tight budget.

The small area of land, a road island of sought, sits at the ribs of Jogoo-Manyanja road, just where it meets Outering Road.

Some of its fairly good green grass – and adolescent trees – offer some much needed shade and company to couples, families and single men (and women) looking for good rest. 

Many people troop here on weekends – and sometimes weekdays for those who have time.

“I come here a lot with my family on Saturdays and Sundays to enjoy the view and the green,” says Quinter Koki who is here today with her son.

“I don’t spend any money on bus fare to come here because it’s very close to my house, I just walk,” she says.

According to Koki, the ambience is not very bad, although the vehicles can be noisy since it's just next to the road.

There are those people who come here to enjoy a quiet outdoor nap – like Philemon Otieno.

“I live with my uncle in Kayole, and sometimes I just need a quiet place to lie down and think about my life. I think best here,” says Otieno who works in Industrial Area.

The spot mostly serves residents of the nearby Umoja estate, Tena, Donholm, Buruburu, Caltex and other surrounding estates.

According to the residents, they have had to be creative to ensure they can still enjoy picnics on a budget, nothing fancy.

The area has now become popular with hawkers – most of whom come here to sell fruits, ice cream, biscuits, cakes, bottled water and sodas.

Andrew Mnangwa, a foreigner and a hawker, comes here to sell snacks. He says he comes to the spot every so often, but especially on weekends because you find many people.

“Many people come here to rest on weekends, and these are the people we target to buy whatever we sell,” says Mnangwa, adding that business is good when it’s hot, and people don’t want to stay indoors at home.

Some of the residents who spoke to Wananchi Reporting are asking the county government to make the area more conducive and suitable for families; plant more trees, water the grass and the trees frequently, and clean the spot.

Residents also say that the spot has not toilet – the closest is across the road. Also, it has not lights to illuminate the green at night, and keep it safe for public use.

There is also some concern about safety as it is dangerously close to the two major roads; the Jogoo-Manyanja road and the Outering road – and it can be dangerous crossing the roads.