Six Kenyan creatives win KES 4.5 million in Safaricom Capture the Good Challenge
Six Kenyan photographers and videographers have won a combined KES 4.5 million in the inaugural Safaricom and M-Pesa Foundation Capture the Good Challenge, after documenting stories of transformation from communities across the country.
Mathew Meli from Uasin Gishu emerged the overall winner in the photography category for his work highlighting improvements in school infrastructure under the education pillar. He received KES 1 million.
Charles Muia from Embu took the first runner-up position with a story on the provision of laboratory equipment, earning KES 750,000, while Lameck Ododo from Kericho was named second runner-up and received KES 500,000 for his work on kitting Kapkatet Football Club.
In the videography category, Kennedy Kamau from West Pokot won the top prize for The Dream of Poriot, which focuses on the role of proper school infrastructure in supporting education.
David Mutuku from Kajiado was named first runner-up for A Clinic in Kajiado is Helping Bring New Life, a story highlighting the impact of access to medical care. Phillip Otieno from Nairobi took second runner-up for What These Hands Built, which documents a ball-making project focused on economic empowerment.
The awards, held at Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi, brought to a close the five-month nationwide competition launched in May 2026 to give Kenyan photographers and videographers a platform to document community stories around education, health and economic empowerment.
“Capture the Good is a showcase of extraordinary talent in Kenya’s creative community and the power of storytelling to bring impact to life. By giving photographers and videographers a platform to showcase their craft, sharpen their skills and tell authentic Kenyan stories, we are not only investing in the growth of our creative economy but also enabling communities to tell their stories of transformation, their own way. We are proud to see these creators use their talent to inspire, connect and shine a light on the good happening across our country,” said Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.
The challenge received 6,014 applications, with 2,185 participants progressing to the fieldwork stage. A total of 1,155 entries were submitted for judging, with 360 advancing to the regional stage.
The regional competition produced 90 winners, comprising 45 photographers and 45 videographers. The finalists then participated in a two-day masterclass led by photographers and creatives, including Grace Kahaki, Enos Olik, Mbithi Masya, and Mutua Matheka, before submitting their work for the national phase.
Eighteen finalists were shortlisted for public voting, which closed on August 30, 2026, ahead of the announcement of the national winners.
The competition also awarded regional prizes, with Gold, Silver and Bronze winners receiving KES 100,000, KES 75,000 and KES 50,000 respectively.
Capture the Good was implemented in partnership with the Photographers Association of Kenya and the Photojournalists Association of Kenya, with vivo serving as the mobile photography partner.
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