Anwar Sadat Swaka is a documentary photographer based in Nairobi, Kenya.

His photographic works and approach to representation is shaped by his own reality mostly experienced in the largest urban slum in Africa called Kibera, situated southwest of Nairobi, just 4.1 miles from the city Centre. The sprawling settlement is home to an estimated one million residents, many of whom live in extreme poverty. 

His works and stories proactively questions the arbitrary lines we draw between reality and fiction, truth and dishonesty, in representation. It forces us to consider; why do we have to witness suffering with our own eyes to believe in the suffering of others? Why does a subject have to look vulnerable and dejected to elicit empathy? Why do we dismiss the beauty, strength and creative expression in an or images, rather than recognize the empowerment, honesty and the story that it tells? 

Anwar’s works include vibrant scenes from communities in which he tells poignant stories — stories of community, of life’s everyday joys, beauty and difficulties. Anwar photographs both beautiful portraits of people, and raw, in your face, street  reportages. He is an alumnus of the VII ACADEMY where he completed Photojournalism course by the Foundry foundation and a REUTERS Digital journalism program.  He has won several awards including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)photo award, The United Nations Aligned (UN-ALIGNED) photo award and Global Health 50/50 photography award.

His been featured in publications like The Guardian magazine, NPR, Japan Camera Hunters, United Nations Aligned among others.

He was also a part a joint photo exhibition by The Guardian in 2019 and “This is Gender” Photo exhibition at the University College London (UCL) in 2021 By Global Health 50/50,.

Anwar’s work is intended to shed light on important stories that inspire change. His photographs amplify marginalized voices and serve as a catalyst for social awareness and transformation. He is open and available for assignments and artistic collaborations on projects that aim to shed light on important narratives and explore social issues, or capture the essence of diverse communities.