SUNDAY IN MOTION
SUNDAY IN MOTION
How Nairobi Gen Z IS Turning the CBD into Creative Economy
By Sharon Matendechere
As the weekday rush gives way to a quieter Sunday atmosphere, young people are finding different ways to occupy Nairobi’s central business district. Armed with cameras, dancing shoes, bicycles and skateboards, they are turning ordinary city spaces into places of creativity, connection and self-expression.
When the city takes a different rhythm
On a typical weekday, Nairobi’s central business district is characterised by hurried commuters, busy streets, traders and the constant movement of people going about their daily routines.
But Sundays offer a different experience.
In some parts of the CBD, groups of young people gather, not necessarily to shop or run errands, but to pursue interests that bring them together. Some arrive carrying cameras, others gather to practise dance routines, while cyclists and skaters find time to ride, practise and interact.
For these young people, the CBD offers more than a passage through the city. It is a place where hobbies, interests and creative ambitions find room to grow.
Through the photographer’s lens
Photography offers young creatives an opportunity to capture moments and tell stories through images. Photo: Sharon Matendechere.
Among those drawn to the Sunday scene are photographers who use the city’s streets as their working environment and creative backdrop.
With cameras in hand, they capture portraits, experiment with different angles and interact with people interested in having their photographs taken.
For some photographers, the activity is an opportunity to practise and improve their skills. For others, it may also offer a way of attracting clients and earning from their craft.
For Kevin Echographer, photography began as a passion. What initially started as interest and passion has developed into an activity that brings them to the CBD on Sundays.
“Photography is my passion, but it is also how I make a living. I love capturing special moments, whether it’s a wedding, birthday party and beautiful session with a couple”
For Dian, it is not all about passion; it is also a vital business that sustains his livelihood
“ I love photography and it is a huge passion of mine, but at the end of the day, it’s my job and how I pay my bills.’’
A behind-the-scenes look at framing the perfect shot. Photo: Sharon Matendechere
Finding expression through dance
Dance brings together movement, creativity and self-expression. Photo: Sharon Matendechere.
Away from the cameras, dance provides another form of expression.
Through movement and rehearsed routines, dancing becomes an opportunity to express personality, interact with others and possibly create content for social media.
But beyond the movements and videos, there is also a personal story worth exploring.
Is dancing simply a passion, a way to connect with others, or something they hope to pursue professionally?
“Dancing is pure fun for me, but it’s also so much more than that. It’s my favorite way to connect with people, and it is how I completely refresh my mind on Sundays after a long, exhausting week,’’ says Risper.
On two wheels and four
Biking and skating provide other ways for young people to enjoy movement and develop their skills. Photos: Sharon Matendechere.
The Sunday atmosphere also attracts those whose interests involve wheels and movement.
For Nairobi’s urban bikers, navigating the city is an art form, and every ride is a potential viral reel.
They don’t just ride for fitness; they ride to document the heartbeat of the city.
With GoPro cameras strapped to their helmets or smartphones mounted on their handlebars, these young creators film high-octane clips weaving through traffic, dodging matatus, and cycling down Parliament Road.
For them, riding offers enjoyment, fitness, and an unmatched sense of freedom.
For Brian, Sunday is the ultimate day to ride.
“When the Nairobi traffic clears, the streets open up for real human connection. Riding together and filming our journey lets us share the true heartbeat of the city with our viewers.”
Right alongside them, the skaters bring a different rhythm to the pavement. Where the biker finds fluid speed, the skater practices deep patience and endless repetition.
Behind every flawless, 15-second viral clip are fifty painful attempts where they crashed onto the hard concrete just to master a single move.
Together, these youth are proving that Nairobi’s streets are no longer just a place to commute. They are the studio, the stage, and the powerhouse of a new creative economy.
More than just a Sunday pastime?
Youths networking and creating content. Photos: Sharon Matendechere
For some of the young people, these activities are simply a way of spending their free time. For others, they may present opportunities to develop skills, build networks, create social media content or earn an income.
Photography, for example, can lead to paid assignments, while dance videos may help performers reach audiences beyond the people watching them in the streets.
However, the relationship between passion and income is not always straightforward. Equipment, access to suitable spaces, competition and finding paying clients can present challenges.
“It isn’t always easy, staying ahead in a highly competitive market and navigating restricted shoot locations are constant hurdles I have to cross,” says Dian.
A City through different eyes
The young people gathering in Nairobi CBD on Sundays may have different interests, but their activities reveal a shared desire to create, practice, explore and connect.
Through a camera lens, a dance routine, a bicycle ride or a skateboard, they experience the city in ways that go beyond its usual commercial and administrative identity.
For them, Sunday is not simply another day on the calendar. It is an opportunity to make use of the city, pursue personal interests and perhaps discover where those interests might lead.
