Introduce yourself!

My name is Sarah Waiswa and I'm a Ugandan born Kenyan based photographer currently living in Nairobi. Travel for me is a way of putting perspective back into my life, and an opportunity for me to be inspired.

How was your interest in photography sparked? How does photography influence the way you travel?

I have always had an interest in photography, however the interest grew when I moved back to Kenya after living in the States for about 11 years. I came back with a hunger to reconnect with the continent and photography allowed me to do this. I like to travel in general but would love to do more in Africa; though often times you find that travel within Africa is super expensive. Having the opportunity to do so for my current project, African Cityzens, meant I could travel and capture stories along the way.

Please share a little about your African Cityzens project. What is it about and what do you hope to accomplish through it?

The aim of the project is to travel over land to all the 54 countries in Africa within the next 5 years documenting daily city life as me and my partner Joel pass through. By making this journey and visually capturing life in the different cities, we believe that we will be able to establish that the similarities connecting us as Africans far outweigh the differences and histories that divide us as a people.

What is your favorite approach to photography? Do you generally strike up a conversation with your subjects or just capture candid moments?

I prefer to capture a candid moment, but you just have to read the situation. However sometimes, I like to strike up conversation to understand how others perceive their lives and surroundings, and I have met some very interesting people that way.

What have been some of your experiences as a street photographer in Nairobi?

It is a huge challenge sometimes, because there are times people are not as open to being photographed and other times they are. But is absolutely thrilling to go out in the streets every time, not knowing what to expect, who you are going to meet and how it is going to work out. Finding new ways and spaces to photograph has been amazing. Discovering the city never gets old.

What would surprise most people about Kenya? What would you like people to know about Kenya that the media rarely shows?

That it’s not just about the Masaai and great wildlife. There is also great architecture, a very modern and dynamic landscape, as well as diverse culture of people.

What do you love most about being from Kenya? What would say are some of the most unique juxtapositions that exist within such a culturally diverse country like Kenya?

I grew up in Kenya and I love everything about it. It has some of the greatest national parks in Africa in addition to lovely beaches and now amazing architecture that is coming up. Nairobi is one of the few places in the world where you can be in a national park filled with animals, but yet still be able to see the city skyline.

What are your favorite places to photograph throughout Kenya? Why?

Nairobi CBD, Lamu and Old Town Mombasa. Nairobi is this eclectic, mysterious and vibrant space. With that comes characters and structures that add to the allure of capturing the city. I am drawn to Lamu and Old Town Mombasa for similar reasons. They are both filled with rich culture, history and traditions. I am very much drawn to the way of life, and the heavy Islamic influence in these towns.

What have been some of your experiences as a street photographer in Nairobi?

It is a huge challenge sometimes, because there are times people are not as open to being photographed and other times they are. But is absolutely thrilling to go out in the streets every time, not knowing what to expect, who you are going to meet and how it is going to work out. Finding new ways and spaces to photograph has been amazing. Discovering the city never gets old

What recommendations do you have for travelers interested in visiting Kenya?

For activities and things to do, Girrafe Centre, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Kuona Arts Trust, Go Down Arts Centre, National Museum, National Archives, and any of the national parks. For local cuisine and the best café’s, I’d recommend Mama Ashanti, Brew Bistro, and Havana. For the best beaches and markets try Diani Beach, Diani, Shela Beach Lamu, Hell’s Gate National park Naivasha, Masaai Market, and CBD. Regarding transportation, Matatus are the more affordable option to travel through the city. Depending on your budget flying to Mombasa and other parts of the country can be reasonable, but travel by bus is a much cheaper option.

What’s next for you? Do you have any final words of advice for those interested in traveling within Kenya?

I plan to continue travelling and exploring Kenya and the rest of the World. I would say for those interested in travelling to Kenya, do some research ahead of time so that you can plan the trip well. There are so many things to do and see, it needs a bit of planning in order to make the most of it.

To see more of Sarah’s photography and travels, be sure to follow her @lafrohemien on Instagram.

Images Courtesy of Sarah Waiswa