By News Brief
Six Kenyan photographers and videographers have emerged as the inaugural winners of the Safaricom and M-Pesa Foundations Capture the Good Challenge, sharing a combined KSh4.5 million for compelling stories showcasing transformation in education, health and economic empowerment.
In the photography category, Mathew Meli from Uasin Gishu emerged the overall winner for his work documenting improvements in school infrastructure. Charles Muia from Embu was named first runner-up for his story highlighting the provision of laboratory equipment, while Lameck Ododo from Kericho took second runner-up for his work on kitting Kapkatet Football Club.
In the videography category, Kennedy Kamau from West Pokot took the top prize for The Dream of Poriot, highlighting the role of proper school infrastructure in education.
David Mutuku from Kajiado was named first runner-up for A Clinic in Kajiado is Helping Bring New Life, which highlights the impact of access to medical care. Phillip Otieno from Nairobi took second runner-up for What These Hands Built, documenting a ball-making project focused on economic empowerment.
The overall winners in both categories received KSh1 million each, while first runners-up received KSh750,000 each and second runners-up took home KSh500,000 each.
The awards ceremony, held at Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi, marked the conclusion of the five-month nationwide challenge, which sought to spotlight everyday stories of positive change in Kenyan communities through the lens of local creators.
«“Capture the Good is a showcase of extraordinary talent in Kenya’s creative community and the power of storytelling to bring impact to life,” said Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.»
He added that the initiative was designed to provide photographers and videographers with a platform to sharpen their skills, showcase their craft and tell authentic Kenyan stories of transformation.
The challenge was launched in May 2026, inviting Kenyans to document transformation stories through photography and videography under three themes: education, health and economic empowerment.
The initiative attracted 6,014 applications, with 2,185 participants selected to proceed to the fieldwork stage. A total of 1,155 entries were submitted for judging, with 360 entries advancing to the regional stage.
The regional phase produced 90 winners — 45 photographers and 45 videographers. The finalists then participated in a two-day masterclass led by industry professionals, including Grace Kahaki, Enos Olik, Mbithi Masya and Mutua Matheka.
Following the masterclass, the 90 participants resubmitted their work for the national phase, with 18 finalists shortlisted for public voting. Voting closed on August 30, 2026, ahead of the unveiling of the national winners.
The challenge also recognised regional talent, with 30 Gold winners receiving KSh100,000 each, 30 Silver winners receiving KSh75,000 each and 30 Bronze winners receiving KSh50,000 each.
Capture the Good was delivered in partnership with the Photographers Association of Kenya (PAK) and the Photojournalists Association of Kenya (PJAK), alongside vivo.
The initiative highlights the growing role of Kenya’s creative sector in documenting community experiences and telling stories of transformation through photography and film.
