Kenyan photojournalist Dishon Amanya has won international recognition for his powerful visual storytelling, taking top honours in the Governance Solutions category of the Solutions that Inspire Change global photo competition.
His winning image, titled “Community Resilience – Water Access Solutions in Times of Drought,” captures the strength and ingenuity of communities facing water scarcity.
The competition, organised by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Global Water Partnership (GWP), and the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), celebrates images that spotlight innovative responses to climate and water challenges.
The competition drew 135 entries from 59 countries, with participants capturing innovative approaches to tackling water scarcity, drought, and land degradation through photography.
Photojournalist Dishon Amanya Earns Global Acclaim on Drought Resilience
It was Amanya’s visual narrative, rooted in Kenya’s lived reality, that stood out for its portrayal of equity, policy impact, and community resilience.
His winning photograph captures a moment many rural communities know too well: resident’s young and old, gathering at a communal water point, securing one of life’s most essential resources during a dry spell.
The photo was taken in a rural part of Kenya, Kimilili, Bungoma County, during the launch of a water project by Zakat Foundation.
Beneath the surface of this quiet, everyday scene lies a deeper story about policy, leadership, and survival.
“This image is about more than people fetching water,” Amanya explains. “It’s about how well-governed systems, community-led and supported by public policy, can save lives and ensure dignity during drought.”
From subsidised boreholes and rural water supply initiatives to strategic community planning, the photo illustrates the intersection between governance and climate resilience.
In a time when drought is no longer an occasional crisis but a persistent reality, such solutions are vital.
The journalist’s work not only captures the outcome of such initiatives but also brings attention to inclusive governance where local leaders, institutions, and citizens co-create sustainable responses.
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Amanya’s Journey as a Photojournalist
Dishon Amanya told The Kenya Times that his 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, Western region, I witnessed how environmental challenges like drought impacted daily life, especially in rural areas,” he said.
“I picked up a camera not only to document events but to expose the realities behind them. I was inspired by the power of images to inform, provoke dialogue, and influence change, especially around issues like climate, governance, and human dignity.”
Amanya stated that winning the international award has amplified his work on a global platform, opening opportunities for exhibitions and collaborations that he 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,” he added.
“It shines a light on their resilience and reminds the world that climate change is personal and local, not just global.”
This award-winning photograph now joins the global gallery of resilience, showcased at the UNCCD headquarters in Bonn, Germany, and featured in an online exhibition on the UNCCD Communities of Learning and Practice platform.
It’s recognition of storytelling that informs and inspires not only about challenges but about the change that’s already underway.
Amanya, who has built a name documenting environmental and social issues across Kenya and East Africa, says this recognition strengthens his commitment to journalism that champions underreported realities.
“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,” he says.
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About Dishon Amanya
Dishon Amanya is an award-winning Kenyan photojournalist renowned for his compelling visual storytelling.
He has been recognised in the Eco-Warrior category and secured the first runner-up position for Best Visual Storyteller at the Content Creators Awards in 2023.
With over six years of experience, Amanya has worked in diverse environments, ranging from urban centres to remote and challenging terrains.
His work has been featured in esteemed publications such as The Kenya News Agency, Prime Africa, and the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation.
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