In Nairobi, a day without phones to disconnect from screens

The Westwood Hotel in Nairobi is hosting a day entirely without phones on Saturday, September 12. Organized by Malaika Wellness Retreat, the Digital Detox Day runs from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with a clear rule from the outset: no mobile phones are allowed during the event.

The program includes outdoor yoga, Zumba, meditation, and journaling sessions. The organizer also plans breaks, group discussions, and on-site dining, all designed to provide a respite from the constant rhythm of notifications and digital distractions.

The decision to turn off phones is part of a broader conversation about the role of screens during downtime. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that individuals who frequently checked their devices reported higher stress levels than those who did so less often, although it did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

Sleep is one of the most well-documented topics in this area. A study published in PLOS One and referenced on PubMed linked longer screen time on smartphones to shorter sleep duration and poorer sleep quality. The authors describe an association rather than proof that a day offline would be sufficient to alter these parameters.

For evening habits, the NHS recommends limiting stimulating screen activities before bedtime and reserving quieter offline time. In Nairobi, this event translates that idea into a full day, replacing phones with movement, writing, and activities that promote mindfulness.

Tickets are priced at 7,500 Kenyan shillings. This includes tea at 10:00 am, a buffet lunch, and a tea break at 4:00 pm, according to the schedule published by Malaika Wellness Retreat.