Kenyan Photojournalist Dishon Amanya Captivates Global Audiences with Powerful Visual Storytelling

Nairobi, Kenya – June 19, 2025 – Kenyan Photojournalist Dishon Amanya Wins Global Award for Drought Resilience Photography
Kenyan photojournalist Dishon Amanya has earned international acclaim for his compelling photograph, “Community Resilience – Water Access Solutions in Times of Drought,” which won the Governance Solutions category in the Solutions that Inspire Change photo competition. Organized by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Global Water Partnership (GWP), and the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), the contest attracted 135 entries from 59 countries, showcasing innovative responses to water scarcity, drought, and land degradation.

Water Partnership (GWP), and the *International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA).

Amanya’s winning image depicts a rural Kenyan community accessing a communal water point during a drought, highlighting the critical role of equitable governance and community-led initiatives. The photograph illustrates how subsidized boreholes, rural water supply programs, and strategic planning empower communities to navigate climate challenges with dignity and resilience.
“This image goes beyond capturing people fetching water,” Amanya said. “It reflects how effective, community-supported governance can save lives and foster resilience in the face of drought.”

The award-winning photograph is now displayed at UNCCD headquarters in Bonn, Germany, and featured in an online exhibition on the UNCCD Communities of Learning and Practice platform. Amanya’s work underscores the power of inclusive governance, where local leaders, institutions, and citizens collaborate to create sustainable solutions.
Renowned for documenting environmental and social issues across Kenya and East Africa, Amanya views this recognition as a call to amplify underreported stories. “I hope this image reminds leaders, donors, and journalists that the true heroes of climate resilience are the communities adapting daily, deserving of global attention,” he said.
Through his lens, Amanya transforms a moment into a powerful narrative, framing drought not only as a challenge but as an opportunity to showcase shared humanity and collective adaptation.

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