This archive report was first published on 23 December 2019.
On a mission to beautify Nairobi's streets, a group of dedicated graffiti artists came together on Saturday to leave their mark on the city.
With over 40 artists participating, the initiative dubbed #MyMarkMyCity aimed to reimagine Nairobi's public spaces and make them more enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.
The artists began their creative journey on Kenyatta Avenue, where they transformed the Nairobi County Government's garbage bins, flower pots, benches, and pedestrian crossings into vibrant works of art.
According to Kenyan poet Mufasa (Ken Kibet), one of the organizers, the idea behind the initiative was to give the city's public spaces a contextual identity through art and color.
"The idea is to beautify the streets of the city, with graffiti artists and volunteer support crews using carefully conceptualized culturally relevant artwork to give dustbins, flower pots, benches, and pedestrian crossings a contextual identity realized though art and colour," Mufasa explained.
As part of their vision for a better city, the artists aimed to reclaim Nairobi's public spaces and make them a source of pride for its residents.
"To have a better city for people to enjoy their public spaces; People to enjoy walking in the city. To make people care about the city when it comes to making it clean," Mufasa added.
The initiative is part of a larger movement to create sustainable and beautiful cities, with the Museum for the United Nations - UN Live collaborating with local change makers and innovators to imagine and create solutions to the climate crisis.
As the United Nations-Habitat notes, Sustainable Development Goal number 11 calls for a clear vision of cities and human settlements of the future, expected to be inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
