Safal Eye in the Wild Photography Competition 2026 Gala Funds Education and Celebrates Africa’s Conservation Photographers

The Safal MRM Foundation, through its flagship photography competition, Safal Eye in the Wild Photography Competition, this evening honoured Africa’s leading conservation visual storytellers during the 2026 Gala Awards Ceremony at Trademark Hotel in Nairobi. The awards presented the Gold Award (USD 3,000) to Ugandan Kuloba Peter C. Guubi, Silver Award (USD 2,000) to Paolo Torchio, Bronze Award (USD 1,000) to Kush B. Shah, Public Award (USD 500) to Vincent Chepkwony and Rohidh Drabhu was also recognised with the Staff Award celebrating the photographers whose work has brought Africa’s wildlife, landscapes and ecosystems into sharper focus through the power of visual storytelling.

Through the theme, ‘Frame Your Future’, the awards recognised exceptional images that captured the richness, diversity and fragility of the continent’s natural heritage, highlighting photography’s unique ability to spark dialogue, deepen public appreciation of nature and inspire greater responsibility for its protection.

Speaking during the gala, Head of Safal MRM Foundation Siprosa Rabach said the competition has grown into a movement that transforms visual storytelling into tangible opportunities for future generations.

“Nine years ago, we asked people to open their eyes to the wild. Along the way, we realised that documenting the problem was not enough; we had to fund the solution. A photograph is powerful, but a scholarship changes a life. Through Safal Eye in the Wild, we are transforming creativity into opportunity and inspiring a generation to frame a better future,” said Rabach.

She noted that the initiative has evolved beyond a photography competition into a regional platform where every image contributes towards conservation awareness while supporting education and empowering young people to become champions for the environment.

“‘Frame Your Future’ is the central identity of the Safal Eye in the Wild (SEiW) movement, elevating it from a photography contest into a circular impact engine. The theme captures our mission: turning creative capital into human capital by using the beauty of the environment and the creativity of photographers to build national infrastructure. It focuses on tangible, funded solutions—specifically education and vocational training,” added Siprosa.

Making her comments through a special recorded message, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Inger Andersen, applauded the Safal MRM Foundation for demonstrating how creativity and visual storytelling can inspire meaningful conservation action while creating opportunities for future generations.

“Safal Eye in the Wild is a powerful example of how art can become a catalyst for environmental action. By connecting photography with conservation and education, the Safal MRM Foundation is not only celebrating Africa’s extraordinary natural heritage but also empowering young people to become stewards of the environment. This initiative demonstrates how partnerships between the private sector, conservation organisations and communities can create lasting impact, inspiring people to protect biodiversity while investing in a more sustainable future for generations to come,” said Andersen.

Chairman of the Safal MRM Foundation and Mabati Rolling Mills, Sarit Shah, said, “For over 25 years, the Safal MRM Foundation has shown that business can be a force for good. Safal Eye in the Wild embodies that vision by transforming creative talent into lasting impact, supporting education, conservation and stronger communities. It is proof that art can drive meaningful change. The Foundation’s long-standing commitment to community development demonstrates that sustainable development is achieved by investing in people and the environment simultaneously.”

Speaking at the event, Mabati Rolling Mills Chief Executive Officer Albert Sigei reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainability, noting that investing in people is as important as investing in infrastructure.

“The introduction of youth participation and mobile photography this year reflects the Foundation’s commitment to making conservation more inclusive by empowering young people to use creativity as a force for positive environmental action, said Albert. “Building a nation goes beyond steel and roofing solutions. It is about building minds, hope and a sustainable future. Through Safal Eye in the Wild Photography Competition, we are empowering young people to become environmental storytellers, proving that conservation begins with every citizen who chooses to care,” said Sigei.

The awards underscored the growing role of visual storytelling in shaping conservation conversations and inspiring a new generation of environmental champions across the continent. Beyond celebrating artistic excellence, the competition encourages photographers and communities to document, appreciate and protect the ecosystems that sustain biodiversity, livelihoods and future prosperity.

Bringing together conservation leaders, photographers, environmental advocates, business leaders, development partners and members of the creative community, the gala marked the culmination of another successful edition of Safal Eye in the Wild, which has evolved from a photography competition into one of East Africa’s most impactful conservation and education initiatives. By linking creative storytelling with environmental stewardship and education, the initiative continues to demonstrate how photography can create lasting social and environmental impact.

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