This February, a different type of peace campaign was launched in the most unexpected areas of the country; Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The “Spray for Change” campaign was commissioned by Duracoat Paints and involves 10 graffiti artists sharing their vision of a New Kenya on individually-allocated 400 meters of corrugated sheets around a construction site at the airport. “Art is a visual form of expression; the best format in my opinion to say anything.

Whether it be photography, or graffiti like in our case, it is the best way you can convey a message to a larger audience,” says Squad Digital’s Asif Khan (the Integrated Digital Marketing agency is managing the project on behalf of Duracoat). “JKIA was the natural choice. It would be the first thing that people coming into the country would see, and the last thing when going out,” Khan says.

The two-day project had a selection of Nairobi’s top graffiti artists—Bankslave, Wisetwo, Esen, Swift9, Tyso, Uhuru B, Smokilah, Shan, Felok and Kerosh—create vibrant creations with everything from tribal masks, city skyline to images of empowered ordinary citizens. Swift9, whose panel includes a hulking figure of athlete David Rudisha explains the inspiration behind his choice.“Rudisha represents Kenya’s sports and athletics. Everybody rejoices when Kenya wins, no matter where you are in the country.

It unites us.” All the panels will be up for the next 6 to 8 months and once construction at the JKIA site is completed, Duracoat plans to store the panels as works of art. But before then, a cash prize and paint for a community initiative of one of the graffiti artist's selection, totaling KES 250,000 is up for grabs. A competition running on SprayforChange.com between February 18th and 28th will reward the artist who garners the most votes for his superb artwork at JKIA.

The project was filmed and documented as it took place in the hope that it will serve to promote the artists, the country and the voice of a new generation to Kenyans and the world at large.“Graffiti commands an audience due to its popularity, uniqueness and ability to grab attention. However, the most important thing is that the message gets out there,” says Swift9.

View the gallery at www.sprayforchange.com