KEVIN OCHIENG ONYANGO BIO
Contemporary Photographer/Artist Based in Nairobi, Kenya, I’m Kevin Ochieng Onyango, a contemporary photographer whose journey from sketch artist to visual storyteller has been profoundly shaped by my upbringing and personal experiences. With over six years immersed in visual arts, photography, and storytelling, I blend creative vision with analytical precision, a testament to my commitment as both an artist and educator.
My story began in the Dandora slums, home to one of East Africa’s largest dumpsites. This challenging environment has deeply influenced my work, instilling in me a passion for media advocacy. The pollution issues that pervade Dandora have become a recurring theme in my photography, driving my commitment to addressing environmental and social issues through visual storytelling.
Growing up, I struggled with a stammer from ages 6 to 18, which made communication a challenge. Art became my refuge and a powerful means of expression, leading me to photography as a dynamic medium to convey my messages and connect with others.
I honed my skills in photography and filmmaking at Nikon Kenya, where I was trained as a photojournalist. This experience paved the way for my current roles: teaching photography at Braeburn International School and working as a Nikon Kenya photography trainer. At Braeburn, I enjoy guiding young students through the art of photography, helping them develop their creative voices.
In addition to my teaching roles, I am actively involved in the art community. As a co-founder of SomasoAfrika Organisation, I develop communication strategies for various organizations, further expanding my impact. My artistic journey has also seen me participate in prestigious exhibitions and earn notable awards, including:
- 2019: China-Kenya Friendship Photography Contest Winner
- 2020: Agora ONUART One Humanity Photo Award
- 2021: Agora Photo Music Category Award
- 2021: Muhammad Ali Center “Shining a Light” Photography Award
- 2021: CIWEM (EPOTY) Environmental Photographer of the Year Climate Change Award
- 2022: Forest Stewardship Council Climate and Innovation Photo Award (1st Place)
- 2022: Rise Africa Photography Award Runner-Up
- 2023: United Nations Great Lakes Photo Contest Runner-Up
- 2023: UNESCO Silkroads Exhibition, Paris
- 2024: United Nations Great Lakes Exhibition, New York
- 2024: Ubuntu in Focus Exhibition, Ardhi Gallery, Nairobi
- 2024: Rise Africa Young Storyteller
Each of these accolades represents a step in my journey to merge art with advocacy, using my work to shine a light on pressing issues and inspire change. As I continue to explore and expand my artistic endeavors, my goal remains to harness the power of photography to tell compelling stories and make a difference in the world.