Nairobi, often called “the green city in the sun,” is a study in contrasts. While its wealthier neighbourhoods boast lush greenery, the city’s informal settlements face poverty and ecological disasters like flooding and landslides. Now, an art collective, Kairos Futura, seeks to challenge these disparities through an imaginative and transformative lens.
According to bbc.com, their latest exhibition, Hakuna Utopia, showcases works by seven artists exploring themes of apocalypse, resilience and the daily struggles of Nairobi’s six million residents. By merging art and activism, the collective is fostering conversations about social and environmental justice.
One standout member, Stoneface Bombaa, who grew up in Mathare—Nairobi’s second-largest slum—draws from his own experiences. His work highlights the “hand-to-mouth economy” and lack of access to basic amenities like housing and education. Despite setbacks, including the demolition of a proposed exhibition site, Bombaa remains determined to bridge the ecological divide in Mathare. His efforts include organizing trips for children to Nairobi’s verdant parks, exposing them to green spaces they’ve only dreamed of.
“There are no trees or green spaces in Mathare,” Bombaa laments. Yet, by imagining a utopia where nature is accessible to all, he hopes to inspire his community to claim their right to a better environment.
Fellow artist Coltrane McDowell takes inspiration from termite mounds in his work Invisible Cities, reimagining sustainable architecture for the future. Meanwhile, Abdul Rop, known for his striking woodcut prints, uses his art to galvanize Nairobi’s youth. “To achieve utopia, we must work together,” Rop asserts, referencing Gen Z’s leadership in recent protests against government policies.
The exhibition also features Ajax Axe, who transformed mundane school chairs into interactive art pieces, showcasing creativity’s power to elevate everyday life.
Kairos Futura’s vision goes beyond aesthetics; it’s a call to action. By blending art with ecological and social commentary, these artists envision a Nairobi where inequality gives way to shared prosperity. As Rop aptly puts it, “The moment to act for the future is now.”
Hakuna Utopia invites all Nairobians to imagine—and strive for—a brighter, greener future.
- Featured image: An imagined future Nairobi/Kairos Futura
