Meet the Nairobi acrobats turning Kenyan traffic jams into a livelihood

As the traffic signals turn red at a congested junction in the Kenyan capital, a young performer dressed in leopard print steps into the road to tumble through the air. He is joined by five identically dressed companions who together execute a series of acrobatic maneuvers.One performer, juggling woven hats, detaches from the group to approach drivers in stationary vehicles. Hoping for generous tips, he offers his hat to motorist after motorist while the rest of the troupe continues their display. As soon as the lights change to green, the group quickly clears the road.Nairobi's street acrobats made their debut in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic and have since become a regular sight at traffic stops throughout the city. Taking advantage of heavy gridlock, these performers display their skills in return for cash to earn their livelihood.Mohammed Nyale, 22, said he took up acrobatics hoping for a life-changing occupation. "I have always loved acrobatics since I started performing at 15 years old," he said.A man juggles on a busy roadside in Nairobi (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)He and his fellow group members departed their homes along the Kenyan coast dreaming of theatrical careers and packed theatres, but have instead settled for the streets, demonstrating their acrobatic stunts to drivers trapped in Nairobi's perpetual traffic.Nyale’s troupe meets early in the morning in a vacant field in Kawangware, an impoverished neighbourhood in Nairobi, to practice their acts. They subsequently head out onto the roads as traffic begins to build during the morning peak hour."We say a prayer before changing into our costumes," Nyale said.Performing typically until midday, they take turns requesting tips from motorists. Sums donated are generally modest, rarely exceeding 50 shillings (approximately 40 US cents). Because many Kenyans rely on mobile wallets, the acrobats also pass out slips of paper bearing phone numbers to which money can be sent.On a successful day, each member can earn roughly $6, which is enough to cover basic living costs, though on some days earnings are higher.Acrobats collect contributions from motorists after a short performance in a busy street (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)That matches the daily wage earned by most casual labourers in construction or farming in a country where unemployment remains widespread. Youth unemployment was measured between 4.9 per cent and 9.9 per cent in 2024, according to figures from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.Earning money from street performances "is what enables us to live in Nairobi because we moved here from quite far and no one is helping us to pay rent," Nyale said.They face competition, as acrobatic troupes have emerged across the city. On the other side of town, a group including 28-year-old Jackson Okoth entertained motorists along Lang'ata Road."There are no opportunities for us that we can go to, so we like it when we are here because it keeps us busy and it keeps us fit also," Okoth said. "Instead of staying at home and doing reckless things, we decided to come here and perform for motorists and pedestrians."(AP Photo/Brian Inganga)Okoth aspires to join a professional circus and travel the globe."I am still on my way, I am still trying, I am still working hard so that one day things might go well and I may find myself in Europe performing in a circus show," he said.Some drivers view the acrobats as an annoyance. Others welcome the distraction."They are a source of entertainment here on the road. They entertain us and we feel good," said Geoffrey Kioi, a Nairobi entrepreneur who regularly gives tips to the acrobats. "They are young people. They need to hustle. They are like my sons."