JKIA animal sculptures spark ridicule, revive debate over Kenya's public monuments

One of the figures, resembling a wildebeest, appeared to be lifting a leg  (Photo: Courtesy)                                           

Newly installed animal sculptures at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have sparked ridicule online, with Kenyans questioning their design, workmanship and suitability for the country’s main international gateway.

The installations, which appear to be part of landscaping and beautification works around the airport, feature thin metal-and-wire figures resembling wildlife such as wildebeests and antelopes.

However, their unusual shapes and finishing have left many social media users unimpressed, with some struggling to identify the animals they are supposed to represent.

The criticism gained momentum after a social media creator shared a video of the sculptures at night, questioning their appearance and the money spent on the project.

“Eh what is this? Nikama mwenye alipatiwa iyo tender alikula, in a whole international airport what are these animals?” the creator asked.

One of the figures, resembling a wildebeest, appeared to be lifting a leg in a pose that viewers found unnatural, while another was so indistinct that its intended animal identity was difficult to establish.

Some Kenyans questioned how public funds had been used to produce the installations, with one commenter writing, “Na ni sisi tulilipa hio bill,” meaning taxpayers had footed the bill.

Former Sauti Sol members also joined the conversation, with Chimano responding with laughing emojis while Savara described the sculptures as “embarrassing”.

The latest controversy is not the first time a public sculpture in Kenya has attracted widespread ridicule.

In March 2019, a lion sculpture installed at the University Way-Uhuru Highway roundabout during the tenure of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko was mocked for its rough, shaggy mane and unusual appearance.

Sonko defended the artwork, explaining that the viral sculpture was only a dummy intended to help local artists take measurements before the final installation.

“The ‘lion’ that went viral was placed there just to assist our local artists in taking measurements,” he wrote on Facebook, adding that the final sculpture was then 75 per cent complete.

The statue was subsequently replaced overnight with a more polished version.

In 2024, JKIA’s Ndovu Roundabout also attracted criticism after being branded in mobile-phone company Tecno’s colours and featuring a stationary Boeing 737-200 aircraft.

Aviation commentator Mohammed Hersi questioned the quality of the elephant sculptures at the roundabout, particularly those depicting young elephants, saying that “any artist worth his salt would cringe at what is being depicted”.

The criticism has also extended beyond Nairobi. In 2024, Eldoret authorities removed three athlete statues after residents complained that they were substandard and bore little resemblance to the athletes they were intended to honour.

The sculptures were removed overnight following widespread public criticism.