Six Kenyan photographers and videographers have been named the inaugural winners of the Safaricom and M-Pesa Foundations Capture the Good Challenge, sharing Sh4.5 million for stories that document transformation in communities across the country.
In the photography category, Mathew Meli from Uasin Gishu won overall for his work highlighting improvements in school infrastructure under the education pillar.
Charles Muia from Embu was named first runner-up for his story on the provision of laboratory equipment, while Lameck Ododo from Kericho took second runner-up for his work documenting the kitting of Kapkatet Football Club.
In the videography category, Kennedy Kamau from West Pokot won the top prize for The Dream of Poriot, which explores 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, focusing on the impact of access to medical care, while 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 Sh1 million each, while first runners-up received Sh750,000 each and second runners-up Sh500,000 each.
The awards ceremony, held at Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi, marked the conclusion of the five-month nationwide challenge, which sought to showcase stories of transformation through the lenses of Kenyan photographers and videographers.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said the initiative sought to provide creatives with a platform to develop their skills while giving communities an opportunity to tell their own stories.
“Capture the Good is a showcase of extraordinary talent in Kenya’s creative community and the power of storytelling to bring impact to life,” Ndegwa said.
The challenge was launched in May 2026 and invited participants to document transformation 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 advancing to the regional stage.
The regional phase produced 90 winners, comprising 45 photographers and 45 videographers. The finalists then took part in a two-day masterclass led by industry professionals, including photographers, creatives and storytellers Grace Kahaki, Enos Olik, Mbithi Masya and Mutua Matheka, among others.
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 announcement of the national winners.
The challenge also recognised regional talent, with 30 Gold winners receiving Sh100,000 each, 30 Silver winners receiving Sh75,000 each and 30 Bronze winners receiving Sh50,000 each.
Capture the Good was delivered in partnership with the Photographers Association of Kenya (PAK) and the Photojournalists Association of Kenya (PJAK), with vivo serving as the mobile photography partner.
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