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Kibera’s First ‘Unseen’ Exhibition Shows a Different Side of the Slum

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The first-ever “Kibra Unseen” exhibition has marked the beginning of a new chapter in how Kibra is represented, highlighting the hope, resilience, and beauty of the community through photography. Held at Kibera Town Centre in Kamukunji, the event aimed to shift the negative image often associated with the area.

For years, people searching Kibra online mostly see images of rusted tin roofs, dumping sites, and sewage. However, a group of local photographers now want to change this narrative by capturing Kibera’s vibrant culture and everyday beauty.

Photographer Ramadhan Karali explained, “We’ve previously held exhibitions showcasing Kibra in other places, but the people here never got to see them. That’s why we decided to bring this one home. Now, when I take photos, people will understand the purpose and won’t resist.”

This exhibition was just the first of many to come. Karali shared plans for future projects, including a walking exhibition from Olympic to DC, involving local photographers from Kibra. “This is just the beginning. We’re committed to creating social change and giving back to our community,” he added.

“We are the eyes of Kibra,” said photographer Samson Otieno. “Most people outside only see Kibra as a place of poverty and crime. This exhibition is the start of showing the world the positive side of Kibra.”

With this first exhibition, Kibra’s story of hope, hard work, and beauty is now being told in a new light. As photographer Lucas Oyugi put it, “We’re moving away from the hopeless narratives. More exhibitions like this will continue to show the true face of Kibera.”

Karali, Otieno, and Oyugi, freelance photographers born and raised in Kibra, believe this is only the start of many more exhibitions, with each one revealing a fresh perspective of their home.

Sumaya Noor
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