The rise and rise of street photography in Nairobi

Statistically, 2.97 million youth in Kenya are without jobs, and while they wait for the government to make the necessary adjustments, necessity is the mother of invention.

At around 11 am, nestled in the heart of the nation’s capital, Nairobi, you will find youth in groups, their aim is to capture the drip in the city, with every click a shot towards a better life.

Grafa Clint is one of those we meet and he says it is time to snap out of false realities and get down to work.

“Sa hi picha tunapiga tukiwa hapa hivi tunatafuta hawwa ma client wanapita unapata mtu amepiga outfit poa unamuaproach tu hallo sir madam unaweza piga picha? Hawezi kata ama unampa kadi kuna ma cliennts wengine wanaogopa unampa kadi siku moja atakuita na utamfanyia kazi…. hii ndio inanilisha inanilipia rent,” says Clint.

To the youth here it’s not just about taking pictures as a pastime but the novelty of content creation in the city redirects their focus.

“Graduands wanatoka over 100,000 kwa universities zetu na jobs ziko limited thru the digital services zinakuja kutuokoa… nilikuwa university na si hiyo nililearn graphics design nililearn through my own means YouTube tutorials na hiyo ndio inanipea living,” Frank Jumapili says.

The evolution of photography re-emphasized the fact that the world is a global village. Instagram took notice of this budding art form in Nairobi’s streets and hosted an event dubbed Drip in the City.

Creators showcased their photography and content creation skills and youth showcased fashion made in Kenya.

“Drip in the City takes note of what is happening here and it’s an opportunity for the content creators and youth to now come and learn more about content and revenue streams and how to make the most of the pictures they are taking,” says Janet Kemboi, Communications Manager at Meta.

Silantoi Suzanne, Nairobi’s CEC for Culture and Arts, notes that “The taking of pictures by the way is unique to Nairobi and its ok we encourage people to come.”

The event was an opportunity for creators and young people to create and connect with their communities in an authentic way.

Instagram says the aim to help is rooted in creativity and community, and the desire to help young people and creators in Nairobi not only establish their voice but also share their story, connect and express themselves.

“The future is to have people make money off Instagram we will introduce ads and subscriptions so that content creators can make money right from the comfort of their home,” says Kemboi.

Street photography in Nairobi has come full circle. From the days of that famed ‘KICC top-holding’ photo to this new age style, perhaps giving credibility to the saying that ‘The more things change, the more they stay the same.’

“Inakaa ushamba but pple tend when time ikienda people go to what they used to do,” Jumapili says.

Silantoi adds: “Si ushamba kupigwa picha kick si ushamba kupiga picha uhuru park kujeni tupige picha Nairobi… The governor lifted the ban it was so colonial that it did not allow us to celebrate the beauty of the CBD.”

The fact that a major player like Instagram and by extension Meta trained its eyes on the evolution of photography in Kenya is testament that the youth in this country are creative, and innovative and when given a chance can create employment and steer their future towards greatness.

“Utapiga picha ukipost kwa page yako utapata client… ukipost client atafuatilia na atakutafuta online,” Clint notes.

Government initiatives like Talanta Hela through the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport, for example, remain a buttress for them against despair and hopelessness, they can only wait.

“Mimi nafeel anything gava huanzisha huwa na good intention the pple wenye wanakuwa custodians ndio huwa wanakuja wanaiharibu,” he adds.

One can only hope that this is the beginning of taking photography and indeed content creation, to new heights, from our nation’s capital.