In the streets of Nairobi, a mural to raise awareness about the war in Ukraine

The triptych of 3 times 280 m2 on the walls of Nairobi is the result of a collaboration of Ukrainian and Kenyan artists to raise awareness about the conflict in Ukraine. © RFI/Albane Thirouard

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In Nairobi, a street-art project to strengthen cooperation between Kenyan and Ukrainian artists and raise awareness about the conflict in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Institute, a public cultural initiative, initiated this project, in partnership with the Ukrainian Embassy in Nairobi. "The Wall" is composed of frescoes painted on the walls of cities. After Berlin, Vienna, Brussels and Marseille, the project is entering the African continent. A collaboration of Ukrainian and Kenyan artists. The result: A triptych of 3 times 280 square meters of drawings.

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With our correspondent in Nairobi, Albane Thirouard

The three colorful frescoes stand out in this street in downtown Nairobi. Painting them took a week. Each has its message. Nikita Kravtsov, one of the Ukrainian artists.

« On the left, children represent future generations, who will respect the freedoms of each country. In the middle, we see two intertwined hands, it is Kenya and Ukraine that help each other. Underneath, a broken chain symbolizes the end of colonialism. Finally, the last one represents our commercial interests. »

Mohamed Kartar, Moha of his artist name is Kenyan. He participated in the second part of the project: painting two matatus, these buses that circulate in the capital. "Alina, the Ukrainian artist, taught me techniques and I taught her techniques. When she was drawing, she had a lot of emotions because this conflict affects families. For me, this is an opportunity to raise awareness among Kenyans.

Project coordinator Katya Taylor is Ukrainian. She does not hide it, the aim is political. "We are trying to build a relationship with Kenya while Russia is trying to impose its rhetoric in Africa to gain support. I do not think you can overturn the opinion of a society with a fresco, but the idea is to encourage dialogue.

On the sidewalk, curious passers-by are already stopping to comment on the frescoes.

When the conflict between Ukraine and Russia began, Kenya immediately voted in favor of Ukraine at the United Nations Security Council. This was a clear message from the Kenyan authorities about the conflict. And, when we look at the Kenyan middle class and elites, the vast majority is aligned with this position, and some even argue that Russia should not have invaded Ukraine. More broadly, most Kenyans are well aware of the conflict, but especially in terms of its economic benefits.

Dismas Mokua, political analyst based in Nairobi

Albane Thirouard

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Read on on the same topics:

• Kenya
• Ukraine
• Russia