VIDEO: Nairobi photographer daringly fights off county officers in CBD over license

A street photographer was captured in a physical altercation with Nairobi County enforcement officers in a video that has gone viral, sparking outrage and debate among Kenyans on social media.

The clip shows a scuffle between two young men and three council officials over an adjustable stool used for photoshoots.

The officers are seen attempting to seize the seat from the men, both dressed in white T-shirts, as passers-by recorded the incident.

At one point, a council officer is heard asking for a license. "Wapi license?" he says as the confrontation continues.

The clash eventually ended with the officers leaving in a council vehicle. In interviews after the incident, the young photographer claimed that he had been paying Sh1,000 every Sunday to the officers.

He alleged the stool had previously been confiscated.

"Sunday walikuja nikawapea thao. Wanajuanga hii kiti yangu hukaa pale every Sunday alafu anachukua anaweka kwa gari," he said.

Social media reactions were divided.

Many users condemned the officers, describing the move as harassment.

"But it's free kupiga picha tao?" one Instagram user asked.

Another wrote, "Ipo siku raia wataungana. This is harassment."

Others, however, defended the officials.

One user commented, "Walipe tax... City of order is a must."

Street photography in Nairobi is generally allowed in public spaces, though there exist legal considerations regarding privacy and intellectual property rights.

While there isn't a specific law prohibiting street photography, photographers are required to be mindful of potential legal issues related to capturing images of individuals without their consent, especially in private spaces or when the photos are used commercially.

But the strained relationship between street photographers and the government has long been witnessed, particularly in the city.

In 2022, Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja announced the scrapping of all business licences as well as a waiver of fees charged to photographers and filmmakers in Nairobi, allowing the public to shoot for free in the city.

Sakaja stated that he was keeping his promise to the creative economy to make a living without being harassed by authorities.

"Some of these rules are colonial. What can a photo really do when shared?" Sakaja posed.

"We have waived all business permits for freelance photographers and filmmakers in Nairobi. All the fees they are charged per day while shooting in Nairobi are also done away with," he assured.

Previously, to take photos or videos in Nairobi, one would have to go through a laborious process in order to prevent a run-in with the City Council.

The tedious process included obtaining a license from KFCB, which cost up to Sh6,000, among other requirements.