In the sun-scorched terrain of Isiolo County in northern Kenya, where water scarcity defines daily life, journalist Jesse Chenge found more than a crisis he discovered a powerful story of innovation, resilience, and hope.
Chenge, a decorated Kenyan journalist and visual storyteller, was honoured with First Place in the Photography Category at the 2025 Youth for Climate Action Awards hosted by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC). His award-winning feature, “Drops to the Rescue,” documents how local communities in Isiolo are harnessing technology from solar-powered water pumps to mobile apps to gain reliable access to clean water.
“When I see a mother walking miles under a blazing sun just to fetch water, I don’t just see poverty,” Jesse says. “I see courage. I see adaptation. I see the untold strength of African communities.”
The award was presented at the Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF70) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Jesse joined fellow youth champions from across East Africa. His visual narrative not only captured imaginations but also sparked conversations around equitable climate solutions.
Chenge’s work consistently bridges science, policy, and grassroots lived experiences. He is known for merging hard data with intimate human-centered visuals a style that has defined his journalism for over a decade.
From investigating waterborne disease outbreaks in Bungoma to profiling climate-induced displacement in Turkana, Jesse’s stories have influenced policy shifts and public awareness.
His accolades include the Family planning & Gender reporting award, the iChange Nations International Award, Amref Health Africa Recognition for coverage on neglected tropical diseases, and now, the prestigious ICPAC Climate Action Award.
“These awards are not about me,” Jesse says. “They are about the stories. They’re about Isiolo’s mothers, Bungoma’s plastic innovators, Turkana’s climate warriors. I’m just the messenger.”
Beyond the lens, Jesse is also a mentor to young reporters and a passionate advocate for ethical storytelling in East African newsrooms. In a region grappling with worsening climate shocks and public health crises, his storytelling plays a crucial role in making visible the voices that too often go unheard.
“Climate change is no longer a distant headline it’s here, and it’s personal,” he says. “But solutions exist, and it’s my job to spotlight them.”
As East Africa navigates the frontlines of the climate crisis, storytellers like Jesse Chenge are helping chart a path forward one photo, one voice, and one story at a time.
By KBC Digital
