Nairobi Pipeline estate: Where children are forced to play on rooftops

A shortage of enough natural environment in Nairobi’s Pipeline estate has left children in the populous area with only one place to runabout – the rooftops.

Pipeline estate, one of Nairobi’s most populous estates, is a notorious concrete jungle where tall buildings compete for oxygen.

The estate is known for its tall buildings, some of them as tall as seven-stories; and almost nosing the sky.

This competition for space means there is no adequate space for recreation, or for children to engage in innocent plays or sporting activities often required for the growth of adequate physical and mental development of a child.

The landlords in the area have become more innovative – with modern houses now boasting large play areas just above the top floors.

Some of these rooftops often double up as the common laundry area, which means that children cannot conveniently enjoy their play.

Simon Panda, a father of three, and who lives in a six-story building, told Wananchi Reporting that his children don’t often go outside the building to play.

“There is this flat surface on top of our building, that’s where all children go to play, including mine,” says Mr. Panda.

“I find it very convenient because our children are safe up there, and we know where to find them,” he adds.

 On her part, Wendy Musyoka, a resident of Pipeline says she often takes her children out every weekend to play and exercise.

“I used to take them to Uhuru Park a lot before the renovations began, but these days I take them to my brother’s home in Syokimau area. My brother lives in his own compound, and so there is enough space for them to run around and kick the ball,” says Wendy.

She, however, notes that she cannot do this all the time as it costs money – and time to move about.

This is a dilemma facing most families living in Pipeline estate and most parts of Nairobi.

There is not enough open environment in this capital for children to play.

Most families in the estate would rather have their children watch television after school and during weekends, rather than send them out to play because there is hardly any space to kick a ball.

There are not enough playgrounds, which can be a hindrance to the physical and mental development of the daily life of children and adolescents in Nairobi.