Sakaja’s Intervention: Three Arrested for Lack of Business Permits
Sunday, May 7, the Governor of Nairobi, Johnson Sakaja. Intervened on behalf of three photographers arrested in the Central Business District (CBD) for operating without business permits.
In a statement, the governor reaffirmed his desire for the trio’s release. And reiterated his position that freelance photographers should not be required to pay business permits.
I’ve requested their release. Photographers and filmmakers may film without interference or harassment. County officers comprehend. Sakaja stated, “We are collaborating with the police to achieve alignment on this matter.”
The governor intervened after activist Boniface Mwangi drew attention to the issue. And pleaded with Governor Sakaja on behalf of freelance photographers.
“The three creatives were arrested in the Central Business District for ‘unauthorized photography,’ and when they informed the police that Sakaja allowed it, the police added a second charge, ‘incitement.’ They are currently being held at the Central Police Station,” Mwangi noted.
Babu Owino, member of parliament for Embakasi East. Concurred that the three youths should be permitted to operate freely and without harassment.
They should have the chance to earn a living. “The police must cease unlawful arrests,” he stated.
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On September 23, 2022, Sakaja ordered that freelance photographers and filmmakers be exempt from obtaining business licenses.
He noted that the directive would eliminate the antiquated laws that generally impede the creative space.
“When we say we want to be pro-business, we don’t just want to stop the harassment of businesspeople; we also want to facilitate and promote.”
“There are numerous antiquated laws, including those that impede creativity and innovation, and we will eliminate these,” he said at the time.
Initially, individuals in the creative industry were required to obtain permits from the Department of Filming Services. Via a filming agent and a letter from the police, and they had to pay more than Ksh5,000 per day.
Sakaja’s Intervention: Three Arrested for Lack of Business Permits
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