6 Places You Will Be Fined for Taking Selfies in Kenya & How Much

An image of Harambee House Annex, Nairobi
An image of Harambee House Annex, Nairobi
File

Selfies have become a prominent part of modern society’s culture, especially in the wake of increased internet activities. 

The growth of social media activities has contributed to the rise of a new hobby of taking photos, particularly selfies, especially among generation z members.

Even more intriguing, the 1997-2013 generation has redefined photography with the now famous “photo shoots”- where they troop together to take pictures in select areas. 

Undated Photo of the Central Bank of Kenya in Nairobi
A photo of the Central Bank of Kenya in Nairobi.
Photo
CBK

However, there are certain guidelines and laws you should be aware of before lifting your phone to take a photo, or trooping to an area for a photo shoot.

These guidelines include those of protected areas that prohibit photography activities unless given a green light to do so.

According to the Protected Areas Act and the Official Secrets Act, contravention of the law could lead to the liability of a fine worth Ksh200,000.  

Below are some of the places classified under the category of protected areas under Kenyan law. 

State House building in Nairobi
State House building in Nairobi
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StateHouse Kenya

State House, Nairobi, and other State Lodges 

State House premises, both in Nairobi and Mombasa, are among the prominent areas classified under the category of protected areas. 

The two installations, alongside all state lodges in the country, are protected from encroachment and any form of activity that would risk compromising their secrecy and security. 

Any attempt of taking a selfie or to hold a photo shoot session around their premises without authorization would land you on the wrong side of the law. 

Military Barracks/installations 

Military installations, including the Kenya Defence Forces headquarters in Nairobi, also fall under this category of protected areas. 

Additionally, all military barracks or air bases are also protected. As such, you would be required to secure authorization before drawing your phone to capture something in picture form. 

The installations are usually highly guarded and often have officers manning sentries erected around their premises. 

Outside Central Bank

The Central Bank of Kenya also ranks high among Kenya's highly guided places. Being the country's central monetary authority, the CBK is accorded special security which includes round-the-clock surveillance of its premises. 

Unlike any other street in the City, loitering around the street leading to the bank could land you in trouble, leave alone stopping by to draw a phone from your pocket to capture a selfie. 

Outside Harambee House/ Harambee Annex

Despite its auspicious vicinities, Harambee Avenue is not your ideal location for a photoshoot with friends, or a selfie to update your status on social media.

The two buildings, located on either side of Harambee Avenue, house the offices of the President and his deputy respectively. 

Being the country's two most prominent persons, the buildings and their premises are usually characterized by meticulous security including surveillance devices, roof-top snippers, and other means that are confidential to the relevant authorities only. 

Any attempt to take a photograph in the area is not only illegal but a near impossibility, unless under authorization. 

UN Gigiri Offices/US Embassies

The United Nations Gigiri base in Nairobi is also not your random pick for a photoshoot destination.

Besides the prominent affluence associated with the neighbourhood, Gigiri hosts prominent offices and installations including the United States of America Embassy in Kenya.

Both the US Embassy and the UN offices are highly guarded and are on the list of protected areas. 

Most of the above-mentioned locations usually have conspicuous warnings reading "No Photography", depicting the high level of confidentiality required around them. 

In 2016, four British tourists were arrested at the Wilson Airport after they were caught red-handed taking photos close to a Kenya Police hangar at the Wilson Airport. 

The four were charged with contravening the secrecy law, despite pressure and uproar from Kenya and abroad. 

An exterior image of the US Embassy in Gigiri, Nairobi.
An exterior image of the US Embassy in Gigiri, Nairobi.
File
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