Mabati Rolling Mills (MRM), a member of the Safal Group®, has announced winners of the 2023 Safal Eye in the wild competition that saw Denish Ochieng, Enos Teche, Abu Mburu and Vincent Chepkwony awarded.
Denish Ochieng who was the overall winner was awarded USD3,000. Enos Teche received USD2,000 as the first runners up while Abu Mburu got USD1,000 for emerging third in the competition.
Vincent Chepkwony who won the People’s Choice Award voted by the public, walked away with USD500.
The esteemed panel of judges, comprised of experts in photography and environmental conservation, faced the challenging task of selecting winners from the numerous impressive entries.
The Safal Eye in the Wild Photography Competition, which ran from July 28 to October 15, 2023, received an overwhelming response from photographers, both professional and amateur, across Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Tanzania. This year’s theme, “Drought,” inspired participants to capture powerful images that depict the harsh realities and the resilience of communities facing the devastating impact of drought in Africa.
The award ceremony honored the exceptional talent and creativity showcased by the participants. Distinguished guests, industry leaders, environmentalists, and photography enthusiasts gathered to recognize and applaud the winning photographers who skillfully conveyed the urgent need for environmental conservation and sustainable solutions.
Anders Lindgren, Safal Group CEO, expressed his pleasant view of this year’s competition, stating, “The Safal Eye in the Wild Photography Competition has not only grown in scope but has also become a powerful platform for driving conversations around environmental conservation. Today, we are celebrating those who have used their art to inspire change and raise awareness about the impact of drought on communities.”
Sarit Shah, Chairman of the Safal MRM Foundation, said: “We are proud to witness the impact that this competition has had in fostering a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation. The award ceremony is not only a celebration of talent but also a call to action, urging all of us to continue working towards a sustainable future.”
In the powerful transformational story behind the winning photograph, the winner, Denish committed to empowering an elder in Northern Kenya who is planting indigenous trees in the wide desert area. The Safal Group in addition generously committed to supporting the transformative journey the man has in the area by contributing Kshs 200,000 through the Safal MRM Foundation.
The Chief Guest, Dickson Ritan, the Deputy Director, Parks and Reserves, Kenya Wildlife Services lauded the initiative as one that continues to support environmental conservation at a critical time when national disasters such as drought have affected Kenya.
The ceremony showcased highlights from the submitted photographs, providing a visual narrative of the competition’s journey and the stories captured through the lenses of talented photographers.