Six Kenyans Pocket Ksh4.5 Million in Safaricom’s Capture the Good Challenge

Six Kenyan photographers and videographers have won a combined Ksh 4.5 million after documenting stories of transformation in communities across the country.

They emerged as inaugural winners of Safaricom and M-Pesa Foundations’ Capture the Good Challenge, with their work highlighting changes in education, healthcare and economic empowerment.

Winners were announced on Monday, September 28, 2026, during an awards ceremony at Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi, marking the end of a five-month nationwide competition that invited Kenyans to use photography and videography to tell stories of change.

Six Creators Capture Stories of Transformation

Mathew Meli from Uasin Gishu took the top prize in photography for documenting improvements in school infrastructure, while Charles Muia from Embu was named first runner-up for his story on the provision of laboratory equipment.

Lameck Ododo from Kericho finished second runner-up in the photography category for his work highlighting the kitting of Kapkatet Football Club.

In videography, Kennedy Kamau from West Pokot emerged as the overall winner for The Dream of Poriot, a story highlighting the role of proper school infrastructure in education.

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David Mutuku from Kajiado was named first runner-up for A Clinic in Kajiado is Helping Bring New Life, which focuses on access to medical care, while Phillip Otieno from Nairobi took second runner-up for What These Hands Built, documenting a ball-making project aimed at economic empowerment.

Overall winners in both categories received Ksh 1 million each, while first runners-up took home Ksh 750,000 each and second runners-up received Ksh 500,000 each.

“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.”

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said the initiative also sought to inspire, connect and shine a light on positive developments taking place across the country.

Challenge Attracted More Than 6,000 Applications

Launched in May 2026, Capture the Good 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 later took part in a two-day masterclass led by industry professionals, including Grace Kahaki, Enos Olik, Mbithi Masya and Mutua Matheka, before resubmitting their work for the national phase.

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Eighteen finalists were eventually shortlisted for public voting, with voting closing on August 30 before national winners were unveiled.

Regional talent was also recognised, with 30 Gold winners receiving Ksh 100,000 each, 30 Silver winners taking home Ksh 75,000 each and 30 Bronze winners receiving Ksh 50,000 each.

Capture the Good was delivered 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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Capture the Good Challenge winners Mathew Meli, Charles Muia, Lameck Ododo, Kennedy Kamau, David Mutuku and Phillip Otieno pose for a photo during the awards ceremony at Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi on Monday, September 28, 2026. PHOTO/ SAFARICOM