In Kenya, approximately 2.97 million young people find themselves without employment opportunities. As they await the government’s response to address this issue, they have embraced the concept that necessity is the mother of invention.
In the heart of Nairobi, the nation’s capital, groups of young people gather around 11 am, driven by the desire to capture the essence of the city through their photography. Every click of the camera represents a shot towards a better life for them.
One such individual is Grafa Clint, who believes it is time to break free from false realities and get to work. He explains that they take pictures in the hope of finding potential clients. When they spot someone wearing a stylish outfit, they approach them and ask politely if they can take their picture. Some people decline, but others accept and may even exchange contact information. The hope is that one day, they will receive a call from a client who will offer them a job. For Clint, this is how he earns a living and pays his rent.
For these young individuals, photography is not just a hobby; it has become a way to redirect their focus and create content in the city. Despite limited job opportunities for university graduates, they see potential in digital services. Frank Jumapili, who studied graphics design on his own through YouTube tutorials, acknowledges that this skill is what provides him with a means of livelihood.
The evolution of photography has highlighted the fact that the world has become a global village. Recognizing the talent emerging from the streets of Nairobi, Instagram organized an event called “Drip in the City.” This event showcased the photography and content creation skills of local creators while also promoting Kenyan fashion.
Janet Kemboi, Communications Manager at Meta, explains that “Drip in the City” aims to provide an opportunity for content creators and young people to learn more about content creation, revenue streams, and maximizing the impact of their pictures. Silantoi Suzanne, Nairobi’s CEC for Culture and Arts, encourages people to embrace photography and acknowledges its uniqueness to Nairobi.
The event became a platform for creators and young people to connect with their communities in an authentic way. Instagram’s involvement in supporting these individuals is rooted in their commitment to creativity, community, and empowering young people and creators in Nairobi. They envision a future where content creators can earn money through advertisements and subscriptions, right from the comfort of their homes.
Street photography in Nairobi has come full circle, from the iconic ‘KICC top-holding’ photo to the current style. This evolution proves the saying that “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” People tend to return to what they are familiar with as time progresses.
Government initiatives like Talanta Hela, led by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport, serve as a support system for these young individuals, offering hope amidst despair. However, they can only wait and hope that these initiatives will yield positive results. There is a sense of skepticism towards the custodians of these programs, as sometimes good intentions are undermined by those in power.
The fact that a major player like Instagram, and its parent company Meta, has recognized the creative evolution of photography in Kenya is a testament to the talent and innovation of the country’s youth. Given the right opportunities, they have the potential to create employment and shape a brighter future for themselves.
Clint highlights the power of social media platforms in connecting with potential clients. By posting their pictures on their personal pages, they can attract clients who will follow their work and reach out to them online.
Ultimately, the hope is that this newfound recognition and support for photography and content creation will propel Nairobi and Kenya to new heights, becoming a hub for artistic expression and creativity.
