Shrines of sin? Kiambu residents alarmed by park-and-chill craze

Revelers who prefer  park-and-chill outings in the serenity of coffee and tea plantations in parts of Kiambu County, have now been met with resistance by locals and authorities.

In a move aimed at curtailing  park-and-chill activities, some locals in Ndumberi and Thogoto have resorted to digging trenches around their farms. This makes it difficult for revellers to move in their vehicles.

Park-and-chill partying is normal characterised by consumption of alcohol, and sexual activities – scenes that have alarmed locals prompting them to take measures.

The trend peaks during the weekend when revellers in their droves, descend on the green villages where they unwind while throwing caution to the wind to the chagrin of locals who with the support of the administration, have found the right antidote.

According to the Kikuyu assistant County Commissioner Charles Laboso, the drastic step is aimed at stopping inappropriate behaviour.

“Thogoto park and chill is not a recreation zone. We are aware that people who frequent the place go there with alcoholic drinks when it is not a designated place for sale and consumption of alcohol, and therefore the behaviour cannot be allowed anymore,” said Laboso.

He argued that it is a necessary precautionary measure since when intoxicated, some of revellers’ judgement is lowered especially when joining the Southern bypass.

Public safety

“We would encourage them to visit the place take pictures enjoy the massive traffic along the beautiful highway but not to park their cars and drink alcohol. The practice has been a threat to public security and safety,” Laboso said.

The administrator told The Nairobian that park-and-chill revellers do not visit there because there are no alternative locations to enjoy weekends, but curiosity of young men and women trying explore new ways of having fun regardless of the perils.

“They play music and there is no harm in playing music but again they have to be conscious of the environment. They should know there it’s also residential place, and it is unfair to infringe on other people’s rights as you park and chill,” stated Laboso.

Used condoms

He expressed concerns over the sight of used condoms after the revellers have left – a sign of open disrespect to the local community.

“There are kids in the neighbourhhood who also go there to play and you can imagine the exposure to the kids when they come across used condoms. We have asked KeNHA to safeguard the place and make it better. They can plant trees for people to come and enjoy, unfortunately we cannot regulate what happens inside the vehicles,” Laboso said.

Ndumberi’s vast coffee and tea plantation towards Limuru paints a different picture – the revellers exercise caution.

According to David Osaka, fun lovers display responsible behaviour that does not only mind the welfare of the local community around but also makes sure that no one goes overboard.

“We made friends after coming here for long. We have a WhatsApp group where we mind the welfare of members, the community we visit and the environment and that is why we went to an extent of having a person to clean up this place after we leave and we pay. We also grow our businesses by posting what every member does in this WhatsApp group and members can buy goods and services. We are a community not evil doers,” explained Osaka.

Job opportunities

Osaka denied allegation of sex in Ndumberi park and chill but said people come with drinks and enjoy responsibly as they view the scenic coffee and tea farms.

“Locals here also benefit from our park and chill. They sell eggs and boiled maize to revellers while some come to ask for job opportunities. I can report that some have actually got jobs,” said Osaka.

Osaka lamented that by digging trenches, land owners are actually criminalizing the weekly events which is unfair.

Lucas Mulee, a boda boda operator in Ndumberi, said that digging of trenches to frustrate revellers will adversely affect their business as they depend on the visitors who give them errands to run.

“We looked forward to every weekend. The revellers use us as their trusted couriers. Besides, security here had improved greatly as no one can commit a felony under the eyes of all those people. The decision to dig trenches is unwise,” Mulee said.