Nairobians trooping to Thika road mini-forest to escape roasting sun

A few steps away -- lovers sit on the natural grass – between trees -- enjoying a meal.

A young man is seen listening to music from his phone near a river cutting through the area.

Residents say that this has become the norm especially on weekends and during holidays. The mini-forest sits on a road reserve just opposite China Square Mall.

The trees were planted after Thika Superhighway was completed in 2012, and have slowly developed into a forest.

To enjoy a cool setting -- away from scorching sun and noisy estates -- Nairobians and residents of the neighbouring Kiambu county have resorted to picnicking on the spot.

It’s the miniature ‘Uhuru Park’ offering natural shade, stillness and some cool breeze from a nearby river.

Anastacia Njoki frequents the place after church on Sundays to relish some tranquility she rarely gets at her Githurai 45 estate.

“I come with my friends to enjoy shade and fresh air while watching birds and some insects like butterflies and grasshoppers” Njoki told Wananchi reporting.

“Here apart from passing vehicles, it is quiet. Suitable for an individual, a couple or a group,” she adds.

The place started drawing people from around 2020 after the trees matured and developed a dense canopy.

Kelvin Karungu who guards visitors’ cars at a fee revealed that during sunny weekends, more than 50 people visit the spot at any one time.

“There are days you find more than 20 cars parked here. While many come to spend quality time with spouses, children, there are others who visit to meditate or even pray” Karungu said.

Kennedy Musili travels from Juja to spend time here when he is not well off to join his friends in merrymaking.

“On a low-budget, I am able to treat my family to an outing here. Unlike in the house, here we are able to discuss family matters while relishing nature's beauty” he told Wananchi Reporting.