Nairobi: Residents are swapping endless scrolling for 'people-watching' activity

A growing number of Nairobi residents are ditching their smartphones in favour of simple nature-driven activities like 'people-watching'.

This comes amid rising concerns over excessive screen time and how it has killed good social habits in Nairobi, and the world.

Instead of burning time scrolling endlessly on smartphone – many in the city are deciding to visit public spaces like parks, open restaurants, the Central Business District, and transport hubs to just observe and chat with friends and family.

It is not uncommon to find people sitting down, observing and interacting with their surroundings, their expensive mobile phones carefully tacked away.

The recently revamped sitting points in Nairobi CBD – commonly known as ‘frustration squares’ – on either side of Moi Avenue; near what used to be Hilton Hotel, one opposite the Kenya National Archive building, and the recent one near Ambassador hotel – have provided good ground for people-watching.

"I used to waste several hours a day scrolling through social media on my smartphone," says Henry Karanja, a Nairobi travel agent.

"I have taken intentional steps to change my social behaviour. Sometimes I just leave my phone in the pocket for hours, then proceed to grab a cup of tea and just watch people and things. I find it more relaxing than I expected,” says Karanja.

There are ongoing conversations about excessive use of smartphones and how it is contributing to rising cases of reduced face-to-face interaction among urban residents.

Karanja notes that he now finds time to talk to his wife and children more, and listen to their stories.  

University student Victor Mbeche told Wananchi Reporting that replacing TV and screen time with observing nature has greatly improved his mental wellbeing.

"I have suddenly began noticing things I never used to notice before. I see streets, different people going about their businesses. I can now notice those street musicians, hawkers, or families enjoying themselves. There is life beyond the phone," says Mbeche who often takes time to sit at the 'frustration square' opposite the Kenya National Archives to observe people, and little things.

Many claim that easy access to internet, data bundles and smartphones have worsened phone behaviour.

"I am happy that many people are becoming more aware of the need to transform their social life away from their phones. These days I see people seated inside buses, watching people through the windows. Others prefer to take a much-needed nap as they count hours in traffic. This can be very therapeutic," says Sylvia Awino, a nurse in Nairobi.

Awino believes that taking time to observe the world can help reduce mental overload.

Timon Kamau who runs a restaurant in Embakasi, says he has noticed more customers putting away their smartphones whenever they visit the establishment.

"Many customers are spending more time talking, reading or simply watching the environment," he said. "It is very refreshing compared to seeing everyone fixated on their phones,” he adds.

Mbeche says he is working with a group of friends in school and around the community to promote a new culture of change, even as Nairobi continues to embrace digital technology.