Police on Sunday arrested at least ten people who were accused of taking photos in malls.
Some were arrested at the GTC Mall while others were at a poolside within a restaurant at the GTC taking photos including selfies.
They were escorted to Parklands police station for questioning before being released.
Police were also called to the nearby Westgate Mall where they detained other visitors who were taking photos. Some of them were foreigners.
Taking photos at the sites is not deemed criminal as they are not gazetted as security installations but the security at the sites complained some of the visitors there were taking suspicious photos.
This came in the wake of the marking ten years of the Westgate Mall attack that left at least 71 dead and dozens injured.
Police say they have increased surveillance and patrols as part of efforts to tame terror-related attacks.
A senior officer said the move by the guards at the malls to call the police was a sign of alertness and vigilance.
“Some may see it as harassment but whatever they did was part of efforts to ensure our safety at large,” an officer said.
The areas where taking photos is prohibited include military installations, airports and government buildings, national parks, private property and sensitive government buildings including police stations, prisons, and other government facilities.
Some of the existing laws that regulate the taking of photographs include the Official Secrets Act, Cap 187 which prohibits the taking of photographs or making of sketches or plans of specified areas, such as military installations, government buildings, and other sensitive areas.
This law is intended to protect national security and prevent the disclosure of state secrets.
The Protected Areas and Wildlife Conservation Act, Cap 376 prohibits the use of photography in certain protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife reserves, without a permit. This is to prevent disturbance to wildlife and to protect the natural habitat.
The Antiquities and Monuments Act, Cap 215 prohibits the taking of photographs or filming in certain archaeological sites, monuments, and heritage buildings without a permit. This is to protect the cultural heritage of the country and prevent damage to these important sites.
The Children Act, 2001 prohibits the taking of photographs or filming of children in certain situations without the consent of their parent or guardian.
This is to protect the privacy and welfare of children.
The Photography and Film Regulations, 2019 require photographers and filmmakers to obtain permits before taking photographs or filming in public spaces, such as streets, parks, and beaches.
They also provide for restrictions on the use of drones for photography and film.
