Nairobi street photographers to get official registration and badges - Sakaja

Nairobi street photographers are set to receive official identification as the County Government moves to introduce a registration system that will formally recognise creatives working across the city. Governor Johnson Sakaja said registered photographers will be issued official badges to make it easier for the County to identify them and provide support as they pursue their livelihoods. Speaking during a forum attended by hundreds of photographers and other creatives in Nairobi on Wednesday, Sakaja clarified that street photographers will continue working without paying County fees under the free photography arrangement. He said provisions in the County Finance Act that refer to photography apply to commercial heavy photography and not the street photographers covered by the free arrangement. Sakaja said the planned registration will give the County a clear record of photographers operating in Nairobi while creating a way for the administration to support them. The Governor said the decision made in 2022 to allow street photographers to work freely in the city was aimed at opening employment opportunities for young people, encouraging creativity and helping promote Nairobi. “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. He challenged the photographers to use their cameras to present Nairobi positively by capturing its attractions, businesses and daily activities while recording the changes taking place across the city for audiences in Kenya and abroad. “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,” he said. Sakaja also wants photographers to help the County identify problems and violations in the city by safely documenting cases such as littering, illegal dumping, vandalism and misconduct involving matatus and boda bodas. He said photographers should submit such information through the proper channels so that the relevant authorities can respond. The Governor assured the creatives that they would not face harassment when carrying out legitimate photography work. At the same time, he asked them to observe people’s privacy and safety and avoid interfering with areas where Nairobi residents work and move. The County is also preparing to expand free Wi-Fi to selected parts of Nairobi. Sakaja said the service would benefit creatives who depend on digital platforms to promote their work and connect with a larger audience. He further encouraged photographers to establish cooperatives and Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) to improve their financial position and strengthen their ability to support themselves through their work. Sakaja also directed the County Health Department to help eligible creatives register with the Social Health Authority (SHA), allowing them to access healthcare services at County health facilities. The photographers said the free photography arrangement had made it easier for them to earn a living after years of facing harassment and being asked to pay before they could operate in the city. “We went through a lot, but now we can contract and work in town without being harassed,” one photographer said. Another photographer spoke about how owning a camera changed his circumstances after spending years struggling to find work. “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.