Award-Winning Photo Highlights Kenya’s Community-Led Solutions to Climate Challenges

Children and elders gather at a communal water point in Kimilili, Bungoma County. The sun is unforgiving, the land dry, and yet there is life, motion, and a quiet strength in the scene. 

At first glance, it looks like a routine moment, but behind it is a profound narrative of resilience, leadership, and systems that work. 

That single image, titled “Community Resilience—Water Access Solutions in Times of Drought,” would go on to earn global recognition, spotlighting the power of visual storytelling in the face of climate adversity.

The man behind the lens is Kenyan photojournalist Dishon Amanya, whose journey into photojournalism began with a passion for storytelling that gives voice to people and communities often left out of mainstream conversations.

“Growing up in Kenya’s Western region, I witnessed how environmental challenges like drought impacted daily life, especially in rural areas. I picked up a camera not only to document events but to expose the realities behind them,” Dishon says.

Dishon Amanya the award-winning photojournalist, photo Dishon

“I was inspired by the power of images to inform, provoke dialogue, and influence change, especially around issues like climate, governance, and human dignity.”

The award-winning photo was taken during a severe dry spell, at a moment when the Zakat Foundation was launching a water project in the area. Dishon had been taken there by the organization to cover the event. What he captured was not just people fetching water; it was a statement.

“Capturing that moment was emotional. I saw not just struggle, but also the strength of people and the visible impact of good governance and non-governmental organizations,” he shares.

“I felt a deep responsibility to frame it with honesty, to honor both the hardship and the hope in that scene.”

His photo stood out among 135 entries submitted from 59 countries in the “Solutions that Inspire Change” international photo competition, a joint initiative by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Global Water Partnership (GWP), and the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA). The image was named winner in the Governance Solutions category.

For Dishon, the recognition is not just about him.

“Winning this international award has been a transformative moment. It has amplified my work on a global platform, opening opportunities for exhibitions and collaborations that I never imagined.”

“But more importantly, it's validation for the community in the photograph, proof that their stories matter. For many people where I come from, this recognition is a collective win. It shines a light on their resilience and reminds the world that climate change is personal and local, not just global.”

Dishon’s storytelling captures more than events; it amplifies local governance solutions, where leaders, institutions, and citizens co-create strategies to survive and thrive. 

From subsidized boreholes and rural water supply initiatives to strategic community planning, the photo reflects the impact of inclusive systems.

“I want this image to remind policymakers and donors that climate resilience doesn't start in conference rooms; it starts in villages. The photo is a call to prioritize inclusive, community-led solutions and to support systems that actually reach the grassroots,” he explains.

“It's also a reminder to the public that progress is possible, but it requires shared responsibility.”

His motivation for focusing on this particular community and issue is deeply personal.

“Yes, deeply. I chose this community because their story reflects the reality of many others across where water is life, and its scarcity defines everything,” he says.

“I come from a region where people live close to the land, so I relate to their struggles and triumphs. These aren't just subjects to me; they're neighbors, family, and friends. That connection pushes me to tell their stories with empathy and accuracy.”

With this recognition, Dishon is not slowing down.

“Moving forward, I plan to expand my coverage of climate governance across more regions in East Africa and continue to use photography to influence policy, drive accountability, and mentor young journalists.”

His photo has now been showcased at the UNCCD headquarters in Bonn, Germany, and featured in an online exhibition on the UNCCD Communities of Learning and Practice platform.

“I hope this image reminds leaders, donors, and even fellow journalists that the real heroes of climate resilience are in these communities doing the work, adapting every day, and hoping the world pays attention.”

And for those who want to explore more of his work on climate justice, governance, and underreported communities across Kenya and East Africa, Dishon invites you to view his portfolio.