International media network CNN, on Tuesday, December 8, featured Kenyan photographer Brian Otieno, for his photo-story dubbed Kibera Stories.
Packaged in a video format, the story, showcased the journey of Otieno who aims to make a change in his community through his camera.
Otieno captures everyday life in Kibera, showing stories of the vibrant community and trying to look beyond the perceived appearance of his hometown.
In a video seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the photographer revealed that he sought to bring out the unknown aspects of one of the sprawling settlements in Nairobi.
“Kibera Stories gives a sense of what it’s like to be a resident of one of the continent’s most notorious slums,” Otieno stated.
Joyful scenes of children playing at school, images of people grappling with their day-to-day struggles and many more are captured in the photographer’s video.
“I was taking photos of rainfall, women by the roadside selling vegetables, kids fetching water and playing football,” he stated.
The photographer has been widely recognized for his projects. He was among 12 photographers selected for the World Press Photo East Africa Masterclass which took place in Nairobi in 2016.
He won the inaugural East African Photography Award which was held in Kampala in October 2018.
In August 2019, he was also selected as a recipient of the Reuters Photojournalism Grant.
Kenyans in the past have received global recognition where their works are featured in top-rated segments as well as recognised by global publications.
Recently, a fellow photographer Polly Irungu was featured in the US Billboard for her photos which honour black women.
