Filming at the heart of the country's capital has proven to be an uphill task for many Kenyans who have a passion for photography.
In some instances, city residents have been arrested and at times harassed by county officers popularly known as kanjos, and other law enforcement officers.
More often than not, the police have stated that Kenyans require permits to take photos in the Central Business District (CBD) due to security concerns. However, there has been a disconnect between the process to be followed in getting a permit and the offices tasked with that mandate.
In a thread by city-based photographer, Mwangi Kirubi, it was revealed that the process of acquiring a permit is a five-stage step and requires creatives to pay a certain amount of money in fees.
The first step requires one to apply for a permit from the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) which charges a fee based on the number of days one is planning to shoot in the CBD.
A licence to shoot for a day is estimated at Ksh6,000.
"Whether you are taking photographs or shooting a video, one is required to obtain a filming permit and that is obtained through filming agents listed by KFCB," Kirubi advised.
After obtaining a licence from KFCB, one is required to write a letter to the Central Police Station Officer Commanding Station (OCS) to get police clearance.
In the letter, one should indicate the exact locations they intend to shoot and the purpose of the application.
Upon approval by the police, the photographer should then seek clearance from the county government.
"Once the OCS signs and stamps your letter, go with a copy to the Department of Urban Planning at City Hall Annex, 4th floor, Muindi Mbingu Street. They will give you a written invoice which you will take to City Hall Cash Office next door. The staff there will issue you with a computer-generated invoice," Kirubi added.
The county government also has different rates depending on the shooting activities. Permit for a day's photography is about Ksh3,640.
The amount is usually paid to a bank account provided by City Hall.
Despite finalising the payment, county officials have to verify that payments have been made before getting the green light to begin shooting.
