Summary
The Bringing Bricks to Kibera project is a pilot initiative implemented in Nairobi’s informal settlement of Kibera, addressing the lack of safe and accessible play environments for children. Developed in partnership with local organisations and residents, the project follows a dual strategy: using bricks as tools for creative play and participatory design, while establishing designated, clean, and safe play spaces known as Playbazes.
The initiative aims to promote healthy child development, foster learning, and strengthen social interaction, while enabling skills such as creativity, critical thinking and communication through play.
Through a participatory co design process—including focus groups, community meetings, mapping, and photo frame exercise—children and community members helped shape the interventions. The resulting fixed and mobile Playbazes offer flexible environments aligned with school schedules, ages and educational curriculum
The project improved children’s access to safe, everyday environments for play and learning while enabling communities to actively shape and upgrade their built surroundings.
Key aspects
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Providing access to safe play in informal settings
Creates safe, accessible spaces for children to play and learn within informal neighborhood environments. -
Community driven co creation process
Engages residents, children, schools, and local organisations through participatory activities such as workshops, mapping, and prototyping. -
Linking development and empowerment
Reduces caregiving burdens, promotes, children’s development and strengths community ownership, local capacity, and income opportunities.