Nairobi County to issue identification badges to street photographers and content creators

The new framework, unveiled by Governor Johnson Sakaja during a stakeholder engagement forum with local street photographers, aims to introduce official identification badges to distinguish recognized creatives from unregistered operators in public spaces.

Under the proposed initiative, legitimate creators will register with the county administration to receive official badges, providing them with recognized legal status while operating within the Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding urban zones. 

The county government intends to establish a comprehensive digital database of active photographers to streamline communication, enhance public order, and protect creatives from harassment and extortion by unauthorized individuals or enforcement officers.

Speaking on the initiative, Governor Sakaja emphasized the city’s commitment to supporting the youth-dominated creative economy, noting that formalizing registration will help the county extend structured municipal assistance, foster safer working environments, and better integrate local content creators into the city's broader economic and tourism vision.

He also 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. 

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. 

Further operational timelines and registration protocols for content creators are expected to be released by City Hall in the coming weeks.

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.

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.