THROUGH THE LENS: PHOTOGRAPHY SHAPING LIVES IN NAIROBI STREETS

Photography in Nairobi’s Central Business District is more than just an art form—it’s a thriving hustle. Young street photographers, armed with cameras and creativity, have turned the city’s vibrant streets into a canvas for capturing moments. What started as a way to make ends meet has evolved into a significant profession, allowing these photographers to freeze time, tell stories, and inspire others.

Photography is a universal language that transcends barriers, allowing individuals to express themselves in ways words often cannot. As a powerful medium, it captures moments, emotions, and stories, preserving them for generations. Photographs remind us of our past, connect us to people and places, and evoke feelings that words may fail to articulate.

In the heart of Nairobi, the bustling streets of the Central Business District (CBD) form a vibrant tapestry of life—a reflection of the city’s energy, diversity, and creativity. Amid this dynamic scene, a new wave of street photographers has emerged. These young lensmen equipped with cameras and ambition, have turned their passion into a thriving business.

The Rise of Street Photography in Nairobi

In recent months, Nairobi’s CBD has seen an influx of street photographers, many of them young people seeking to create employment in the face of Kenya’s high unemployment rate. Armed with determination and ingenuity, they have carved out a niche in a field that offers them both creative freedom and financial stability.

Nairobi’s CBD buzzes with activity every day, providing endless opportunities for street photographers. Whether during the weekday rush or the slightly calmer weekend pace, these photographers are always ready to capture moments. As pedestrians navigate the vibrant streets, the photographers spring into action, offering their services with charm, creativity, and determination.

I met Brian Omondi, a documentarian stationed near Kencom Bus Station. Brian was busy convincing pedestrians to have their pictures taken, yet he welcomed me with a smile when I approached him. After introducing myself, he graciously agreed to answer a few questions. “We were photography lovers before starting out,” he shared. “We realized street photography could be profitable, so we pooled our resources and started with just our smartphones. Over time, we saved enough to buy a proper camera.”

Brian’s team didn’t have formal training in photography, but that hasn’t hindered their success. Their story exemplifies the resilience and resourcefulness of Nairobi’s youth.

Adaptability

Walking along Mama Ngina Street, I encountered more photographers working diligently to attract clients. Jack, a charismatic photographer, stood out with his humorous yet strategic approach. “A beautiful lady like yourself deserves a gang of photographers fighting to capture the face that launched one thousand ships,” he joked as he waved at me. When I asked if such pick-up lines were part of his strategy, he nodded, explaining that they adapt their marketing tactics depending on the client. “Sweet words and the right tone can make all the difference,” Jack said, revealing that he earns about Ksh. 5000 on a good day. However, their work isn’t without challenges.

As Joseph Mutisya, a certified engineer turned photographer, explained, “Standing in the streets for more than 12 hours is no joke. Convincing people to take pictures is equally tough. You have to be fit, friendly, and skilled in sales and marketing to succeed.”

Despite these difficulties, street photographers in Nairobi have embraced the city’s natural and urban beauty, using scenic backdrops to enhance their work. Joseph added, “The streets offer so many unique scenes that we can use as backgrounds. When older people see us, they often tell us they wish street photography had been this popular in the 60s and 70s.”

Regulations and the Transformative Impact

Two years ago, the vibrant street photography scene now thriving in Nairobi’s CBD would have been unthinkable. At the time, creatives were required to apply for permits from the Kenya Film and Classification Board to operate a camera in public spaces. The process was cumbersome and expensive, involving police notifications and multiple visits to local administrators.

This all changed with a directive from Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja, who overturned restrictive laws prohibiting photography and videography in the City Centre. The decision was a game-changer for creatives, transforming street photography into a booming venture.

Maxwell Game, a photographer I met on Koinange Street, emphasized the importance of this change. “The Governor’s directive gave us the freedom to work without fear,” he explained. Maxwell is part of an association that advocates for street photographers’ rights and professionalism. The group focuses on addressing common issues, such as ensuring photographers deliver clients’ pictures on time and preventing unethical practices.

“We’re working to restore the reputation of street photography,” Maxwell said. “In the past, some photographers behaved unprofessionally, which tainted the craft. Our association has set rules to curb public indecency and protect clients. We also plan to introduce press cards to help identify legitimate photographers.”

For many of these photographers, their work is more than just a means of income—it’s a lifeline. Most of the young people I spoke to are supporting families with their earnings.

Their work also offers a sense of pride and purpose. Jack expressed his joy in seeing clients appreciate the quality of his work, while Joseph spoke about the evolution of photography. “My childhood photo album holds fond memories, but I wish street photography had existed back then. The pictures would’ve been even more beautiful,” he joked.

The craft has also brought together a community of creatives. On Kimathi Street, known as the “content creation street,” photographers and cinematographers collaborate with TikTokers and influencers to produce content. These partnerships highlight the adaptability of Nairobi’s Street photographers, many of whom work without professional equipment but still deliver impressive results.

The Future of Street Photography

The photographers I met shared aspirations of expanding their craft beyond Nairobi, spreading the culture of street photography to other towns in Kenya.

Their dreams reflect the growing recognition of street photography as a legitimate and impactful profession. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about capturing moments, telling stories, and creating opportunities.

As Nairobi continues to evolve, street photography has become a symbol of the city’s resilience and creativity. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of Kenya’s youth, who have turned challenges into opportunities and found beauty in the everyday hustle of city life.

Street photography in Nairobi’s CBD is more than a creative pursuit—it’s a movement reshaping perceptions of youth employment and self-expression. Through their lenses, these young photographers capture the soul of the city while forging paths to economic empowerment.

Their journey highlights the power of resilience, adaptability, and community, showing that even amidst challenges, art and creativity can flourish. As street photographers aspire to spread their craft across Kenya, they embody the hope and potential of a generation redefining what it means to succeed.

Nairobi’s streets are not just places of commerce and transit; they are stages where stories unfold, and these photographers are the storytellers, preserving the vibrant life of the city one frame at a time.

Edited by Pius Okore.