Redefining Kibera

Kibera is often reduced to headlines about poverty and despair. But behind the stereotypes lies a thriving world of artistry, resilience, and everyday triumphs. Walking its vibrant paths reveals not brokenness, but bold humanity. Here, storytellers like Jeremiah Onyango use their lens in reclaiming Kibera’s narrative—one that honours dignity, creativity, and the power of perspective.

Kibera, one of Africa’s most well-known and densely populated informal settlements, is often portrayed as a place of unrelenting hardship — a community locked in poverty, devoid of opportunity. The media frequently highlights its challenges but rarely captures the full spectrum of life here. Reclaiming Kibera’s narrative means recognising not just the struggles, but also the resilience, innovation, and vibrant human spirit that define this community.

Curious to see beyond the headlines, I ventured into the heart of this community. What I found was far from the stereotypical images of despair. I encountered stories of dignity, creativity, and perseverance — stories often left untold.

Framing Dignity

Jeremiah Onyango, a documentary photographer born and raised in Kibera, is one of the voices amplifying these often-overlooked stories. Through his lens, he captures raw human experiences, giving voice to those on the margins and helping his community reclaim its narrative.

“Kibera is mostly seen through the eyes of people who have never lived here,” he says. “But once you walk into the community, you get an entirely different perspective.”

Jeremiah acknowledges the harsh realities of life in Kibera—scarce resources, economic hardship, and systemic neglect—but he also highlights a profound sense of contentment and resilience within the community.

“Yes, we face hardships. But our sense of contentment is different. We make do with what we have—and sometimes, that is enough,” he reflects.

As we navigate Kibera’s winding paths, we come across Charles Owigo—a local entrepreneur and artisan. From a modest workshop, Charles and his team transform discarded animal bones into beautifully handcrafted items: jewellery, utensils, key holders, and more.

“People think we survive on aid, but that’s not true,” Charles says. “We work hard. We carve bones every day and earn a living from customers who value our craft.”

Jeremiah’s work highlights the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Kibera’s informal economy—an engine that sustains most of its population. Despite limited job security and financial uncertainty, many residents channel their skills and creativity into small businesses, proving that poverty, while real, is far from the whole story.

“Kibera is full of innovators,” Jeremiah says. “My role is to document and celebrate them.”

As someone deeply embedded in the community, he has a unique advantage: trust. This allows him to approach his subjects with empathy and honesty.

“Before I take a photo, I explain my intention. I want people to see themselves in my work — not as victims, but as the resilient individuals they are.”

Still, his work isn’t without challenges. Kibera is one of the most photographed and researched areas in Africa, which has made some residents wary of exploitation.

“Some people worry I will sell their images to foreigners and profit from their struggles. But I carry my camera not to exploit — but to reclaim our story,” he says. “It is about owning our narrative and showing that we can represent ourselves with dignity.”

Art as a Voice

Deeper into our walk, we meet Clinton Artisto—a visual artist and part-time teacher who founded Rafiki Art Space, an art studio nestled in Olympic B, Kibera. Clinton greets us mid-stroke, brush in hand, his movements precise and his focus unwavering.

“Security in Kibera has improved, despite what you read online,” he says. “The real issue is access to education and employment.”

Rafiki Art Space was created to fill that gap—a mentorship initiative designed to teach young people how to paint and express themselves through art while equipping them with sustainable, future-ready skills.

Despite mainstream narratives focused on hardship, Jeremiah’s photography documents visible progress: accessible water through piped connections, thriving informal businesses, and local initiatives aimed at development. Through his lens, he is reclaiming Kibera’s narrative, showing it not as a symbol of poverty, but as a community of growth and transformation.

However, expectations around photography can still be difficult to manage. Many residents assume that anyone with a camera is part of the media or a foreign outlet.

“People often expect payment because they think I am with a news crew. I try to be clear — I am from here. I am doing this to reshape how we are seen,” he explains. “We are constantly misunderstood, and that weighs heavily on us.”

Jeremiah has struggled with the burden of representation. He recalls moments where simply saying he is from Kibera changed how he was perceived — sometimes unfairly.

“There were times I felt I had to hide where I came from because people equated Kibera with failure. But I’ve come to realise that my lived experience matters—it gives me the power to speak with authenticity,” he says.

To manage the emotional toll of his work, Jeremiah seeks balance — taking time outside Kibera, engaging in therapy, and talking with friends.

“Sometimes I need to step away — to slow down, reflect, and be honest with myself. That is what keeps me grounded.”

Owning the Narrative

For Jeremiah, the mission remains clear: to invite people to see Kibera differently — to visit, engage, and look beyond the surface.

“It is time to stop using images and language that dehumanise and dramatise. Kibera is more than its hardships.”

Through his camera, Jeremiah Onyango continues to reclaim his community’s story — not by erasing the challenges, but by highlighting the beauty, strength, and humanity within them.

Driven by a desire to change the narrative, Jeremiah has spent years documenting the everyday lives, untold stories, and quiet triumphs of Kibera’s residents—one frame at a time. His work centres on human dignity, challenges harmful stereotypes, and reclaims a voice for one of the most misrepresented communities on the continent.

Edited by “Pius Okore”