Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has called on street photographers to become “visual ambassadors” of the city, using their cameras to showcase Nairobi’s beauty and transformation while helping the County identify littering, vandalism and other violations affecting the city.

Speaking during a forum with hundreds of photographers and other creatives in Nairobi, Sakaja urged the photographers to document the city’s attractions, businesses and everyday life and use their work to tell Nairobi’s story to local and international audiences.

At the same time, he asked them to use their cameras to help keep Nairobi clean and orderly by documenting and reporting issues such as littering, illegal dumping, vandalism and other violations of city regulations.

“Be our ambassadors of the city. Use photographs to tell the good story and also condemn vices. However, respect people’s privacy and be professional as it should be,” Sakaja said.

He encouraged the photographers to safely document instances where city rules are being violated, including improper conduct by matatus and boda bodas, and share the information through the appropriate channels to enable the relevant authorities to take action.

Sakaja says photographers should also respect people’s privacy, safety and spaces where Nairobians work and move around, assuring them that they would not be harassed while undertaking their legitimate work.

The Governor said the County Government’s decision in 2022 to allow street photographers to operate freely in the city was intended to create employment for young people, promote creativity and help market Nairobi as a vibrant global city.

“In 2022, I made a decision to let photographers in town do photography for free, not only to create jobs for our youth, but also to improve creativity and market our city,” Sakaja said.

The Governor says the County will introduce a formal registration and identification system for street photographers, including badges, to distinguish recognised creatives operating in the city. The initiative will enable the County to know and support photographers while giving them a formal identity as they go about their work.

Sakaja clarified that the Finance Act does not impose charges on street photographers operating under the County’s free photography arrangement, noting that provisions relating to photography concern commercial heavy photography.

He further announced that the County is working on the rollout of free Wi-Fi in selected areas of Nairobi, which he said would support creatives and other young people who depend on digital platforms to market their work and reach wider audiences.

The Governor also urged photographers to explore forming cooperatives and Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) to strengthen their financial position.
The Governor directed that eligible creatives be assisted by the County Health Department to register for SHA and access healthcare services at County health facilities.

CEC Member for Inclusivity, Public Participation and Customer Service Rosemary Kariuki says the forum was designed to listen to the concerns of young creatives and explain measures being put in place by the County to support youth employment and livelihoods.

The photographers recounted challenges they previously faced, including harassment and demands for payment before they could take photographs in the city. They said the Governor’s directive allowing them to operate without paying shooting fees had transformed their livelihoods.

“We went through a lot, but now we can contract and work in town without being harassed. We thank you, Governor. Many of us are making a living out of this, and we now have hundreds of youths who can earn a living in the CBD without being harassed,” one photographer said.

Another photographer said street photography had given him a second chance after years of hardship.

“I was a street boy for a long time and it was difficult to work and get a job. The moment I got a camera, my life changed. I am thankful,” he said.

A graduate who attended the forum said the opportunity had provided an alternative source of income after struggling to secure formal employment.

“I am a graduate and I have looked for work without getting a job. Through your directive not to pay anything to shoot in town, we can make a living. We are thankful,” he said.

Sakaja says the County would continue working with creatives to ensure Nairobi remains a city where young people can turn their talent into sustainable livelihoods while helping to keep the city clean, document its progress, promote its attractions and tell Nairobi’s story to the world.