Six Kenyan Creatives Win Sh4.5 Million in Capture the Good Challenge

Six Kenyan photographers and videographers have taken home a combined Sh4.5 million prize in the inaugural Safaricom and M-Pesa Foundations Capture the Good Challenge. The Sh4.5 million was split among the winners, with the overall winners receiving Sh1 million each, first runners-up Sh750,000 each, and second runners-up Sh500,000 each. The competition, which ran for five months, invited Kenyan creatives to document transformation in communities across the country through photography and videography.

Mathew Meli from Uasin Gishu emerged victorious in the photography category for his work showcasing improvements in school infrastructure. Charles Muia from Embu was named first runner-up for his documentary on the provision of laboratory equipment, while Lameck Ododo from Kericho secured second runner-up for his coverage of Kapkatet Football Club's kit distribution.

In the videography category, Kennedy Kamau from West Pokot took home the top prize for The Dream of Poriot, a story exploring the impact of proper school infrastructure on education. David Mutuku from Kajiado was first runner-up for A Clinic in Kajiado is Helping Bring New Life, highlighting the importance of access to medical care. Phillip Otieno from Nairobi was second runner-up for What These Hands Built, a project documenting an economic empowerment ball-making initiative.

The award ceremony, held at Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi, marked the end of the challenge that had invited 6,014 applications from creatives across Kenya. After a rigorous selection process, 360 entries made it to the regional stage, with 90 winners selected from both photography and videography categories. The finalists then participated in a masterclass led by industry professionals, after which they resubmitted their work for the national phase.

The public then voted, with the final winners announced on August 30, 2026. The Capture the Good challenge was a collaboration between Safaricom, M-Pesa Foundations, the Photographers Association of Kenya (PAK), the Photojournalists Association of Kenya (PJAK), and vivo.