Mosiria promises to help man behind giant Buddha costume secure advertising gigs
By Katemarthason Okudo, September 25, 2026Nairobi County’s Chief Officer for Customer Engagement and Citizen Service, Geoffrey Mosiria, has offered to help the young man behind the giant Buddha costume that recently attracted attention on the streets of Nairobi secure advertising opportunities.
Mosiria made the offer in a video shared on his Instagram page on Thursday, September 24, 2026, where he praised the young man for using creativity to earn a living and create work for others.
He said the young creator had already created employment for two people through his work and appealed to companies to consider giving him advertising opportunities.
Mosiria asks companies to support young creator
Mosiria said many young people in Nairobi are turning to creativity as a way of making a living rather than depending on traditional forms of employment. He noted that the young man behind the unusual costume had gone a step further by creating opportunities for other people working with him.
“So far, this young man has employed two people, a videographer and a photographer. I appeal to any company out there: please give him an advertising opportunity and help him put his creativity to productive use,” Mosiria said.
He also promised to personally approach some companies in an effort to help the young creator find an advertising deal. “I will also engage a few companies to see if they can help him secure an advertising job and allow him to showcase his talent,” he added.
Who is the man behind the giant Buddha costume?
The young man, known as Kienyeji Smarter and also referred to by some online as Sharp Boy, caught the attention of Nairobi residents after appearing in the Central Business District wearing a large Buddha-like costume.
The unusual outfit was paired with oversized metallic shoes, giving him a distinctive appearance as he walked through the busy streets.
His appearances have also become a form of entertainment for people who come across him, with the costume allowing him to stand out while expressing his creativity.
The creator has explained that his idea was meant to entertain people and help ease some of the stress brought about by difficult economic times. Rather than simply seeing the costume as a street act, he has used it as part of his creative identity and a way of earning a living.
‘Creativity pays’
Mosiria further called for greater support for young people earning a living through digital content and other creative work.
He said creators should have opportunities to turn their skills into sustainable sources of income, while also calling for collaboration between the government and media platforms.
“Creativity pays. The government should also engage with media platforms to create opportunities for content creators and ensure that they can earn a sustainable income from their work, just as platforms like Meta do,” he said.
Mosiria said young people should be supported when they create opportunities for themselves and others instead of being discouraged from pursuing unconventional careers.
His message was also centred on the economic challenges facing many young people, with Mosiria saying everyone is trying to find a way to survive. “Kila mtu anapigana na umaskini! I will try my best to help this gentleman get someone to give him an advertisement job. Adui ni MASKINI!” he said.
For Kienyeji Smarter, the attention surrounding his giant costume could now open another door, with Mosiria seeking to connect his creativity with companies looking for new ways to advertise their products and services.