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How Bling City is spreading the gospel of graffiti across Nairobi – PHOTOS and VIDEO


A group of creative youth from Nairobi’s Eastlands area is transforming the appearance of their neigbourhood and other public places with their artistic talent.

Bling City Youth Group, which is based in Maringo estate, has taken graffiti painting to whole new level as a way of expressing their creative ideas.

A graffiti art on the wall of a house in Maringo estate, Nairobi. This graffiti is the creative work of Bling City Youth Group. PHOTO | FRANCIS NDERITU
A graffiti art on the wall of a house in Maringo estate, Nairobi. This graffiti is the creative work of Bling City Youth Group. PHOTO | FRANCIS NDERITU

Allan Mwangi aka Mr Detail 7, Victor Mwangi aka Viktart and Chela are the three creatives behind the numerous paintings that dot the estate walls.

“We engage in various activities like car wash, garbage collection, street art and other stuff to keep our youths from this hood off the streets and into better lives” says Vannoh Ogola, one of the group members.

A graffiti art on a wall along Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi's CBD. PHOTO | FRANCIS NDERITU
A graffiti art on a wall along Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi’s CBD. PHOTO | FRANCIS NDERITU

They do this as way of showcasing their talents and self expression for positive change.

The youth also use the wall murals as way of passing messages about their estate which has a very rich history.

Members of Bling City Youth Group pose for a photo next to a wall painting on a house in Maringo estate in Nairobi. PHOTO | FRANCIS NDERITU
Members of Bling City Youth Group pose for a photo next to a wall painting on a house in Maringo estate in Nairobi. PHOTO | FRANCIS NDERITU

Built in the early 1950s, as part of Ofafa Jericho, Maringo estate is said to be the birthplace of the Sheng slang.

Other places where you can find graffiti with the CBD include along Haile Selassie Avenue towards Muthurwa, parts of Ngong Road and the Godown Arts Center, among others.

A graffiti art of an old lady on a wall along Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi. PHOTO | FRANCIS NDERITU
A graffiti art of an old lady on a wall along Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi. PHOTO | FRANCIS NDERITU