Nairobi County Plans Registration and Identification System for Street Photographers

Nairobi, Kenya — The Nairobi City County Government has announced plans to introduce a registration and identification system for street content creators and photographers operating across the capital, in a move aimed at formalizing the growing creative sector and improving engagement between City Hall and local creatives.

The proposed framework, unveiled by Governor Johnson Sakaja during a stakeholder engagement forum with street photographers, will include official identification badges for recognized photographers working in public spaces.

County to Establish Digital Database of Photographers

Under the proposed initiative, street photographers will register with the county administration and receive official identification badges. The system is intended to distinguish recognized creatives from unregistered operators within the Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding urban areas.

The county government also plans to establish a comprehensive digital database of active photographers. The database is expected to streamline communication, support coordination and strengthen the relationship between creatives and county authorities.

Speaking during the engagement, Governor Sakaja emphasized the importance of supporting Nairobi’s youth-dominated creative economy. He said formal registration would enable the county to provide structured assistance, promote safer working environments and integrate content creators into the city’s broader economic and tourism development plans.

“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.

The governor added that the programme would help the county identify and support photographers while giving them a formal identity as they conduct their businesses across Nairobi.

Initiative Seeks to Address Harassment and Extortion Concerns

The announcement follows concerns raised by photographers who have reported harassment, disruptions to their activities and demands for unofficial payments while working in the city.

By creating a recognized registration system and a direct communication channel with City Hall, the county hopes to address some of these challenges and improve the working environment for street photographers.

Further details on registration requirements, badge issuance, operational procedures and implementation timelines are expected to be released by the county government in the coming weeks.

Street Photography Provides Livelihoods for Young Kenyans

Street photography has become a prominent form of self-employment in Nairobi’s CBD, particularly along busy locations such as Tom Mboya Street, Moi Avenue, Muindi Mbingu Street and areas surrounding the Nairobi Archives.

Many young photographers have transformed the city’s streets into open-air studios, offering affordable professional photography services to residents, visitors and tourists.

The sector has also attracted university and college graduates seeking alternatives to formal employment. For many young creatives, photography has evolved from a hobby into a source of income, helping them meet daily expenses while developing entrepreneurial and creative skills.

The proposed registration framework could provide an opportunity to better organize the sector and strengthen cooperation between photographers and county authorities.

Sakaja Clarifies County Photography Charges

The planned registration system comes amid concerns within the creative industry over proposed county charges targeting certain commercial photography and videography activities.

Governor Sakaja clarified that the county’s free photography programme for street photographers remains in place and that ordinary photographers operating within the CBD are not subject to charges.

He explained that the fee provisions are intended for larger commercial productions and heavy photography operations, rather than regular street photographers conducting their ordinary activities.

The clarification is expected to help distinguish between everyday street photography services and larger-scale commercial productions that may require additional county considerations.

County Explores Additional Support for Creatives

Beyond registration and identification, the Nairobi City County Government is exploring additional measures to support the creative economy, including the rollout of free Wi-Fi in selected public spaces.

Improved connectivity could benefit photographers and other content creators who rely on digital platforms to market their services, communicate with clients and share their work.

As Nairobi continues to develop its creative economy, the proposed registration framework and other support measures could form part of broader efforts to integrate street-based entrepreneurs into the city’s economic and tourism ecosystem.

The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on the implementation details, accessibility of registration and the county’s ability to maintain consistent engagement with the creative community.