Zombies of Nairobi

In Nairobi, a growing number of children live on the streets, surviving day to day in conditions shaped by poverty, neglect, and addiction. Often referred to as the Zombies of Nairobi, many of these young people spend their time in a daze, disconnected from their surroundings after inhaling cheap, toxic substances. The areas they live in—makeshift camps surrounded by garbage and waste—reflect just how far removed they are from basic safety, stability, and care.

At the center of this crisis is inhalant abuse, particularly glue sniffing, which has become one of the most accessible and widely used substances among street-connected youth. Unlike other drugs, inhalants are inexpensive, legal to obtain, and easy to conceal, making them incredibly dangerous, especially for children. The effects can be immediate and severe, including dizziness, hallucinations, loss of coordination, and long-term damage to the brain and body. Over time, repeated use can leave young people disoriented, vulnerable, and increasingly dependent.

Additional information:

"We are entering a city within a city – it’s not a physical place, it has no borders, it’s rather an elucidation inhabited by tens of thousands of kids. The dark obscure and brutal place hidden inside many plastic bottles. If you open them and sniff what’s inside, you’ll wake up in a world of zombies."

"Many of them are so dazed that they experience brain blackouts, passing out for a few minutes. The solvents inside the glue can cause effects similar to a hangover – it’s a depressant substance that can cause loss of concentration and lack of coordination, but it can also induce hallucinations and transform you into a very hostile and very aggressive person."