Nairobi County Proposes KES 5,000 Daily Fee for Professional Photo Shoots

Since the removal of the mandatory photography licensing fee in late 2022 by Governor Johnson Sakaja, Nairobi's Central Business District has become a vibrant hub for freelance photographers and content creators. Streets like Tom Mboya and Kenyatta Avenue often transform into open-air studios, providing opportunities for many young creatives to earn income without the overhead costs of traditional studios.

However, the Nairobi City County Finance Act, 2026, introduces new charges that could impact this dynamic. Among the proposed fees is a KES 5,000 daily charge for what is classified as a "professional" photo shoot. Music video productions would also incur a similar daily fee, with larger productions facing even higher costs.

Unclear Definitions and Potential Impact

The legislation does not clearly define what constitutes a "professional" photo shoot, leaving ambiguity over whether solo photographers taking portraits or small-scale content creators fall under this category. It is also uncertain if the fee applies per individual, crew, location, or day.

Additionally, under the category for "Professional, Technical, and Financial Services," an annual fee of KES 10,000 is proposed for individual professionals or operators, but photographers are not explicitly mentioned. This raises questions about which fees solo photographers might be liable for.

The overlap with existing charges from the Kenya Film Classification Board, which include fees for music videos and filming days, further complicates the financial obligations for creatives working in Nairobi's streets.

Balancing Regulation and Accessibility

While Nairobi County has a valid interest in regulating large-scale productions that disrupt public spaces, the proposed fees could disproportionately affect individual photographers and small creative teams. Clear guidelines distinguishing between commercial productions and freelance creators are needed to ensure that Nairobi’s streets remain an accessible workspace for emerging talent.

Without such clarity, the new fees risk making the CBD prohibitively expensive for many young creatives who have come to rely on these public spaces for their livelihoods.