Kenyan Photographer Mwangi Kirubi Wins WSPA Gold Award
Kenyan photographer Mwangi Kirubi, popularly known as Mwarv, has won Gold at the World Sports Photography Awards 2026.
He emerged victorious in the competitive Motor Sports category. As a result, Kirubi became the first Kenyan to achieve this milestone at the global competition.
Award Announced After Global Judging Process
The World Sports Photography Awards announced the winners on January 15, 2026. Judges reviewed thousands of entries submitted from more than 100 countries.
Consequently, Kirubi’s win placed Kenya on the global sports photography map. The awards recognize excellence in technical quality, composition, and storytelling.
Winning Image Captured at WRC Safari Rally
The award-winning photo capturing a Safari Rally car in fesh fesh dust in the 2025 Safari Rally Championship Photo/ Mwangi Kirubi
Kirubi’s winning photograph, titled Emerging Ford, was captured at the WRC Safari Rally Kenya.
He shot the image during the Shakedown stage at Sleeping Warrior. The photo features Grégoire Munster and Louis Louka driving a Ford Puma Rally1. Meanwhile, swirling fesh fesh dust creates a dramatic and unique Safari Rally effect.
Kirubi captured the moment using a Canon R5C with a 100–500mm lens.
Experience and Preparation Delivered Success
Kirubi gained Safari Rally accreditation when the event returned in 2021. Since then, he has covered every WRC Safari Rally edition.
Notably, the 2025 rally marked his fifth consecutive year documenting the event. The Shakedown stage allowed multiple runs, enabling creative experimentation.
As a result, Kirubi captured the award-winning frame from a refined shooting position.
Global Recognition for Kenyan Photography
Available records confirm Kirubi is the first Kenyan to win WSPA Gold. Previously, Kenyan photographers achieved recognition in other international contests.
However, none had secured a WSPA motorsports gold award. Kirubi credited World Sports Pix and Canon for supporting creative talent.
His success adds to Kenya’s growing global photography recognition. Other acclaimed photographers include Thandiwe Muriu, Osborne Macharia, and Kevin Ochieng.
