Nairobi’s beauty has many people – especially photographers – wanting to click away at every junction. Nowadays, it isn’t unusual to see a photographer or two taking long exposures of the city after dark, or posing newly weds on a median over the weekend. Just like any activity held in a public space in Nairobi, permissions should be obtained for commercial photography on the streets of our city, and here’s how to get them.
1. Obtain a Permit from the Department of Filming Services.
They are located at the Kenya School of Mass Communications in Nairobi’s South B suburb. You however can’t just walk in and get one; government rules state you have to go through a filming agent. There’s a list of filming agents here. It’s not current though. I requested an updated one from the DFS and more than a week later, I’m yet to receive it. You’ll also need to fill this form and pay Kshs5,000/- per day for commercial photography, plus Kshs1,000/- application fee, and whatever the filming agent’s fees will be for the service.
2. Visit the Central Police Station.
This is the Police Station at the corner of University Way and Harry Thuku Road. You’ll need to present a written letter to the OCPD stating what you’ll be shooting, when you’ll be shooting it with specific dates and times, and where you’ll be shooting, naming streets and roads you’ll be on. If you intend to block off some roads or interfere with the flow of human or vehicular traffic, then extra permissions will be needed. The Police will advise you on what you’ll need for this. Once the OCPD approves your request, you’ll then take your stamped and signed approval letter to…
3. City Hall Annex, 4th floor.
This is where the Department of Urban Planning seat. You’ll take to them the letter signed and stamped by the Central Police Station bosses and they’ll issue you with an invoice of Kshs3,640/- per day of photography which you’ll pay at the City Hall Cash Office.
Once your payment is received, you will be good to go ahead and shoot on the streets of Nairobi CBD within the parameters stated in your approval letter. Make sure you have all your documents on you when shooting – preferably the originals – so that when the Police or County Askaris stop you, you can prove to them you are shooting legally.
It is quite a tedious process but in a country where photography is associated with terrorism, it’s better to stay on the right side of the law than take risks.
Almost $100 per day for citizens to showcase the country they love and the cities that they live in.
Whereas if your color disposition is different, you are deemed a tourist and can take photos for free without a single hassle.
Sad days.
Could you please define what qualifies as commercial photography in the context of your article.
It’s usually at the discretion of the licensing authority, but indicatively, if it isn’t a news item, or a wedding, it’s commercial.
Thank you for this. Now how do YOU shoot your pictures? Can you email me pliz? You can post the ansqer as well (if you wish). Would love to know.
I follow the process above.
very informative. Ive always dreaded shooting in public especially CBD coz of harassment by you know who..
Wait, so it will cost me roughly $100 a day ti shoot in the CBD? That seems like outright robbery. It shouldn’t cost anything to take photos in Nairobi. But alas, this is the country we reside in. Thanks for the advice though. It seems I have no choice, but to follow the said procedures.
I noticed that this does not include taking photos of people/model on a street. What are the regulations and requirements for such cases?
I think that will qualify as commercial. But check with Central Police OCS to confirm.
Can you clarify if the procedure applies to news photography ie/ for a magazine? Thanks
With a media card, editorial work should be done without a hitch.
Great information! If I may ask, what are the procedures for beginners or guys who want to learn how shoot street photography? Especially if they do not necessarily use high-end professional equipment (could be a smartphone), is there a different procedures or rates?
Hi. First, great article and good choice of words. My question is. If you don’t do street photography for commercial purposes but to get content for something like a blog, will I have to go for permits?
Very educative. Great pictures.
very informative..do tourists obtain the same permits?..the fees are exorbitant not to forget cumbersome moving from one office to another…hii Kenya yetu#smh
I don’t think tourists obtain permits because their work isn’t considered commercial.
Great article good job Mwarv…Have you ever tried to block a street? What are the extra permits/costs involved? About the agents, is it a must you work with them..
For blocking streets, you’ll need to talk to the police at Central for instructions. Sorry but I don’t have those.
And for agents, it is a requirement you work with them.