MRM Launches 2026 Safal Eye in the Wild Competition to Boost Conservation and Education
By Editorial Team
Mabati Rolling Mills Ltd has launched the 2026 edition of the Safal Eye in the Wild Photography Competition, unveiling a renewed initiative that seeks to promote environmental conservation while supporting education across East Africa.
The competition, launched on Tuesday in Nairobi through the Safal MRM Foundation, marks a major shift from a traditional photography award into a broader Corporate Social Investment movement aimed at transforming creative talent into opportunities for communities.
Held at Hyatt Place Nairobi Westlands, the launch introduced the “Frame Your Future” campaign, which encourages photographers to use their art to drive positive social impact. Through the initiative, proceeds and partnerships generated from the competition will help fund classrooms, scholarships, and other education programmes in Kenya and the wider East African region.
Speaking during the launch, Safal MRM Foundation Chairman Sarit Shah said the company believes education remains one of the most powerful investments for the future.
He noted that the initiative demonstrates how creativity and environmental conservation can work together to create lasting impact in society.
“Every photograph captured through this movement is no longer just a digital file. It is a call to action that will help secure our shared future,” said Shah.
He added that the initiative also seeks to address classroom shortages caused by a growing population by supporting education projects through Mabati Rolling Mills’ building solutions.
According to Shah, each submitted photograph will contribute towards building classrooms or supporting scholarships for young learners.
MRM Chief Executive Officer Albert Sigei said the 2026 competition has introduced a stronger focus on youth empowerment and inclusivity, particularly through mobile photography.
Sigei said the competition has created dedicated Under-18 amateur categories targeting Gen Z and Generation Alpha storytellers, allowing young people to use smartphones to document environmental issues and inspire change within their communities.
“The Future Lens initiative is about democratizing conservation and giving young people a platform to tell impactful stories through photography,” he said.
The competition is open to professional photographers, amateurs, and young entrants from East and Southern Africa. Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on conservation and education themes, creativity, technical quality, and emotional impact.
Winners will be recognised during a black-tie gala ceremony scheduled for July 17, 2026.
The awards include a Gold Prize worth USD 3,000, a Silver Prize of USD 2,000, a Bronze Prize of USD 1,000, and a People’s Choice Award worth USD 500. Amateur and minor category winners will also receive USD 500 prizes.
Photographers interested in participating can submit their entries through the official competition microsite hosted by Safal Eye in the Wild.
