8 Places In Kenya You Are Not Allowed To Take Selfies, Videos

"She was actually filming near the screening area, which is not allowed. What the officer did was to inform her that it was not allowed politely,"  she added.

Content creator Miss Trudy confronting security officers on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. /MISS TRUDY

Miss Trudy received subsequent backlash from Kenyans On Twitter (KOT) and ignited a fresh conversation regarding the limits content creators are not allowed to go to for that precious selfie moment in the country, with the assistance of the rise in social media popularity.

Viral Tea takes a look at eight places in Kenya where taking that selfie will land you in jail in the Kenyan law. Yes, you read properly, in jail, if not in big trouble.

Airports

Even though the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has certain areas within airports where Kenyans are allowed to take photos, there are some areas where just that selfie moment can pose a security risk, as was with Miss Trudy's case.

Speaking to Viral Tea, an official at KAA revealed that there are some areas at the airport that are highly diluted and that filming there would not only obstruct security checks for passengers on their way to check in for their flight.

"We have areas at the airport that are highly diluted including where she was filming, she was at the primary security screening area before check-in," the official told Viral Tea.

He further explained that the officers were only casually telling Miss Trudy to stop filming and move away from the entrance to allow the ease of flow of other passengers, adding that even in international airports, some areas require a guide as well as permission from an airport official to film.

"We are not restricting content creation but she would have reached out to us, but she did it ignorantly," the official added.

Moreover, Miss Trudy's filming and blocking of entrances to the airport, thus disrupting security checks could also endanger the lives of passengers by exposing their faces on the internet, especially those who like to travel without others knowing their whereabouts.

"Inappropriate use means the use of aviation safety information for a different purpose other than the purpose for which it was collected, including use of information for disciplinary, civil, administrative and criminal proceedings against operational personnel and disclosure of the information to the public," The Civil Aviation Amendment Act 2016 reads in part.

State House, Nairobi, and other State Lodges 

State House premises, both in Nairobi and Mombasa, are prominent areas which are classified as protected and any form of encroachment would risk compromising their security and secrecy.

Simply put, you being found taking selfies or holding photoshoots around the government premises without authorization would land you on the wrong side of the law.

Military Barracks/installations 

The installations include the Kenya Defence Forces headquarters in Nairobi, as well as all military barracks or air bases which are protected. As such, you will need authorization before taking pictures around the area in any form.

The installations are highly guarded and have heavy security personnel manning sentries outside the premises.

Historic Buildings

These include the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), even though the tower's rooftop is a photographer's paradise, the Supreme Court of Kenya, the Parliament Buildings, and the National Archives among others.

Photography of these sites without permission is not allowed and your device can even be confiscated when caught.

Outside Central Bank of Kenya

The CBK also happens to be one of Kenya's most protected places as it is the country's central monetary authority. As such, it is accorded round-the-clock surveillance of its premises and unlike any street, loitering around the street leading to the bank will land you in trouble.

This is on top of just taking out your phone from your pocket to capture a selfie or film a video inviting your fans to subscribe to your YouTube channel.

Outside Harambee House/ Harambee Annex

Even though the building is literally along a major street, Harambee Avenue is not your ideal location for a photo shoot with friends, or a selfie to update your status on social media. These buildings located on either side of Harambee Avenue, house the offices of the President and his deputy respectively. 

Being the country's two most powerful 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. Therefore any attempt to take a photo in the vicinity unless under authorization is not just illegal, but impossible.

UN Offices/Foreign Embassies

The United Nations Gigiri base in Nairobi and foreign embassies within the city that also include the United States Embassy are not your favourite spots for a photoshoot.

The embassies and UN offices, even though they are situated in Gigiri where the wealthy are known to live in, receive watertight security and some have clear indications of "No Photography" signs to safeguard the confidentiality of the buildings.

Religious Sites & Private Property

Taking photographs of religious sites, such as churches, mosques and temples, is not allowed without the permission of the religious leader or authority in charge.

Photography of any private property, such as a home or business establishment, is prohibited without the owner’s permission.

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.