Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced new measures targeting street photographers operating in the capital.
In a meeting with the photographers on September 16, Sakaja said the photographers will receive official identification badges.
“Today, I met hundreds of street photographers and creatives to chart a better path for the creative sector. Capture our beauty, document our transformation, protect our city and tell Nairobi’s story to the world,” said Sakaja.
New Measures Targeting Photographers
Under the proposed system, photographers operating within the city will be required to register with the county government before receiving identification badges.
The badges will serve as proof that the county recognizes a photographer and that they are conducting legitimate business in public spaces.
Speaking at the engagement forum, Governor Sakaja said the registration framework aims to organize the rapidly growing sector while creating a direct link between photographers and county authorities.
“The County will introduce a formal registration and identification system for street photographers, including badges, to distinguish recognized creatives operating in the city,” Sakaja said.
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Sakaja said the program will help the county identify and support photographers while giving them a formal identity as they work across Nairobi.
The announcement follows concerns raised by photographers who have in the past reported harassment, disruption of their activities and demands for unofficial payments while operating within the city.
Nairobi will create a database of photographers operating in the CBD to facilitate engagement between City Hall and members of the creative industry.
Photography Emerging as a Key Source of Livelihood
Street photography has become one of the most visible forms of self-employment in Nairobi’s CBD, particularly along major streets such as Tom Mboya Street, Moi Avenue, Muindi Mbingu Street and areas surrounding the Archives.
Many young photographers have turned busy city streets into open-air studios where customers can get professional photographs at affordable rates.
The sector has attracted university and college graduates who have struggled to secure formal employment. For many young people, photography has evolved from a hobby into a dependable source of income, helping them meet daily expenses while developing creative and entrepreneurial skills.
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Regulation of Nairobi Street Photographers
In 2022, Nairobi County waived permit fees for freelance photographers and filmmakers operating within the CBD.
The registration initiative comes against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about the regulation of photography and content creation activities within Nairobi.
In recent months, members of the creative industry have expressed concerns over proposed county charges targeting certain commercial photography and videography activities.
Sakaja clarified that the county’s free photography program for street photographers remains in place and that ordinary photographers operating within the CBD are not subject to charges.
He noted that the fee provisions are intended for larger commercial productions and heavy photography operations.
The county government is exploring additional measures to support creatives, including the rollout of free Wi-Fi in selected public spaces.
According to Sakaja, improved internet connectivity would help photographers market their work, engage clients and access wider digital audiences.
The county is also seeking to involve photographers in documenting incidents such as littering, illegal dumping, vandalism, traffic violations, and other forms of non-compliance within the city.
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