NAIROBI,Kenya Sep 29 -Six Kenyan photographers and videographers have been awarded Sh4.5 million for documenting stories of transformation in communities across the country through the inaugural Safaricom and M-Pesa Foundations Capture the Good Challenge.

The winners were feted at an awards ceremony held at Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi, marking the conclusion of the five-month nationwide competition that sought to showcase the impact of initiatives in education, health and economic empowerment.

Mathew Meli from Uasin Gishu emerged the overall winner in the photography category for his work documenting 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 highlighting the kitting of Kapkatet Football Club.

In the videography category, Kennedy Kamau from West Pokot emerged the overall winner for The Dream of Poriot, a story highlighting 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, which focuses on 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 aimed at promoting economic empowerment.

The overall winners in both categories received Sh1 million each, while the first runners-up received Sh750,000 each and the second runners-up Sh500,000 each.

The challenge, launched in May, attracted 6,014 applications from across the country. Of these, 2,185 participants progressed to the fieldwork stage, submitting 1,155 entries for judging.

A total of 360 entries advanced to the regional stage, producing 90 winners comprising 45 photographers and 45 videographers.

The finalists then underwent a two-day masterclass conducted by industry professionals, including photographers and creatives Grace Kahaki, Enos Olik, Mbithi Masya and Mutua Matheka.

The 90 participants subsequently resubmitted their work for the national phase, with 18 finalists shortlisted for public voting. Voting closed on August 30 before the winners were unveiled at Tuesday’s ceremony.

Beyond the national prizes, the competition 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.

Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa said the initiative was intended to provide creatives with a platform to showcase their talent while documenting positive change in Kenyan communities.

“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.

He said the initiative was also aimed at contributing to the growth of Kenya’s creative economy by enabling photographers and videographers to tell authentic stories of transformation.

The challenge was implemented in partnership with the Photographers Association of Kenya (PAK) and the Photojournalists Association of Kenya (PJAK), with vivo serving as the mobile photography partner.

The initiative focused on everyday stories of change, giving participants an opportunity to document how interventions in education, healthcare and economic empowerment were affecting communities across the country.