NAIROBI, Kenya- What’s better than capturing breathtaking moments in nature? Doing it to protect it.
The Friends of Nairobi National Park (FoNNaP) has wrapped up its first-ever photography contest, a creative initiative designed to celebrate Nairobi National Park’s beauty while raising awareness about the urgent need for wildlife conservation
Nestled just outside Kenya’s bustling capital, Nairobi National Park is the world’s only national park bordering a city.
This unique proximity makes it an iconic landmark, but also a vulnerable one. FoNNaP’s photography contest, launched in 2024, aimed to spotlight the park’s unparalleled charm and the growing challenges it faces from urbanization.
“This initiative highlights the incredible photographers who frequent the park, but more importantly, it emphasizes the need to protect our wildlife heritage,” said Bryony Anderson, a FoNNaP board member, during the award ceremony.
Photographers submitted captivating shots showcasing the park’s vibrant wildlife and stunning landscapes.
The event not only celebrated their work but also served as a wake-up call about pressing conservation concerns, including encroachment from infrastructure projects like the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
FoNNaP’s contest wasn’t just about pictures—it was a call to action, particularly for young people. Anderson encouraged budding photographers to use their lenses to tell compelling stories of the park’s struggles and triumphs.
One of the standout participants, Felix Kioko, winner of the freestyle category, praised the organization’s efforts.
“FoNNaP has been instrumental in preserving the park. Competitions like this inspire us to not only showcase its beauty but also advocate for its survival,” Kioko said.
Kioko highlighted how Nairobi’s rapid development threatens to encroach on the park, underscoring the urgency of sustainable conservation.
Winners walked away with more than bragging rights. They earned vacations to other wildlife havens like the Masai Mara and Meru Conservancy, reinforcing the broader mission of preserving Kenya’s natural heritage.
