For most, photography is one of those things we do for fun. Experiencing moments and storing them in our minds isn’t enough. We go the extra mile of pulling out our phones and letting technology do the magic of storing our precious memories.
For 24-year-old Kevin Ochieng Onyango, it isn’t just a matter of a single click to capture ‘feel good’ moments. It is more than that. Kevin is an environmental photographer and a photojournalist. He traces his passion for environmental photography and conservation back to his upbringing in Dandora. The neighbourhood for years has been synonymous with a massive dumpsite. The wasteland consists of about 850 tonnes of solid waste generated from Nairobi. What’s worse is that a sheer number of plastics being dumped in the landfill causes friction. This then results in smoke. This pollution spurred Kevin onto environmental work.
The Man behind the lens
Before he took up a camera and used it as his tool for social change, Kevin was a young boy drawn to art. He credits his time at Jamhuri High School for his journey into art – where he found his artistic nature. He was a member of the art club in school where he engaged in different activities like drawing and painting. And this was where his love affair with pictures started. In addition to this, his brother, a pencil artist and photographer, became an inspiration to Kevin.
Aware of the situation in Dandora, after high school Kevin teamed up with his brother at Spartan Photography to be a voice in society. Kevin now has dedicated Instagram account (@kevin_ochieng_254) that continues in this mission. He made a name for himself in this line of work after seeing how the people in Dandora and most informal settlements were resigned to the fact that that was their life. In Kevin’s eyes, this wasn’t the correct way of living and so he dedicated his art of story-telling through pictures to fighting for proper conservation of the environment.
The Message, The Award
Going through Kevin’s Instagram photos, one thing that immediately catches someone’s eye is the green hue in most pictures. It’s a creative element trying to show how the future would look like if we take the necessary measures in planting trees and conserving our environment.
In 2021, he received the Environmental Photographer of The Year (EPOTY) at the Climate Action Awards by the United Nations. This was well deserved for his image titled ‘The Last Breath’. In the striking picture of a child with a gas mask strapped on his face with a straw connected to a potted plant is polysemous.
A Picture worth 1000 words
The first aspect of this piece is the young boy who signifies the aftermath of climate change. The second aspect is the plant that signifies a green future. It also sends a message: if we are to combat climate change in the easiest way possible, we have to turn to natural-based solutions. The final aspect is the sandstorm brewing in the background. Similar to the first, it symbolizes the effects of climate change.
Throughout his photography career, he has witnessed the impact photography has. Now he advocates for pictures as a tool for climate change awareness. The EPOTY award was an amplifier for Kevin to continue pursuing projects that propel him towards his intended direction.
Changing perceptions, one click at a time
Kevin adds that he feels there is a significant impact to the society in his works. He believes that more people have the ability to champion the same objectives. That there are people who share in his vision of conserving the environment and battling climate change. Kevin further doubles down on the opinion that there isn’t enough awareness of the effect of climate change. He recalls a recent story on the death of giraffes at a conservancy due to the drought and says that wildlife is a country’s treasure and should not be facing such circumstances.
A Luta Continua
These strides towards change have not been without challenges, however the greatest setback has been finding platforms for environmental conversations locally. While a challenge, it also boosts his need to be part of the driving force in advocating for climate change awareness.
Kevin’s future plans involve being part of the policy makers who overlook environmental matters. He is keen to join conservation organisations that would push him towards his mission.
A true hero behind the lens, we celebrate this #KePhotographer for using his pictures to tell stories!