I AM A NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER

Photo by Ruth Wamuyu

Ten years ago, I walked away from a career in law to follow my passion for photography. It always sounds crazy to me whenever I think about it. I didn’t have a clear plan for what the next decade would look like, only a quiet certainty that I wanted to spend my life doing something that was enjoyable and meaningful to me. I remember having a monumental conversation with my then girlfriend, who graduated to wife status, at Chicken Inn near ABC place about what I was going to do next. She could see how unhappy I was. I felt shackled. Almost like I was living my life and possibly my future within the trappings of a straitjacket. She often reminds me how that conversation went and the decision we arrived at with her egging me on to pursue my dreams and vowing to support me through all of it (including the broke parts). I still don’t know what she saw in me but investors would say she banked on me from early and boy was I the luckiest man! Several drumsticks later, a decision was made. I was going to ditch my legal path and let my camera dictate the path for me. That decision came with very difficult conversations, strained relationships and overwhelming waves of doubt when things got tough. However, I always held on as I knew I had no other alternative but to commit fully and keep going.

Ten years on, I’m incredibly grateful to share that I am joining the National Geographic community as a 2026 National Geographic Explorer. I got the news when I was on assignment in Meru and I teared up a little while screaming so hard into my pillow I think I scared away all the nocturnal animals near my tent. It has been a dream I had since I picked up a camera 13 years ago and it’s just slowly sinking in that dreams do turn into reality when you put in the work.

I’m deeply thankful to the National Geographic Society for the trust and support they’ve extended, and for welcoming me into a community of explorers whose work I’ve admired for many years. It is inspiring to be part of a collective committed to thoughtful storytelling and long-term impact.

Aerial image of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu where I will be spending time for my project.

What this means:

As part of my journey as a National Geographic Explorer, I’ll be spending time in one of my favourite places in Kenya, Samburu, a place that has shaped my work over the past eight years, to document how an invasive species is quietly reshaping the landscape and ecosystem. I am excited to be collaborating with Ewaso Lions and I will be sharing some insights and more information from the field over the coming months as the work unfolds. I hope to be sharing the findings from my expedition with you all here after the work is done. Going forward, you can expect to see more stories of communities, culture, wildlife and shared landscapes.

To everyone who has walked with me and supported me along the way, through mentorship, kindness, encouragement, patience, and prayers, thank you! This milestone moment is built on that collective support. I’m grateful for the journey so far and very excited for the work that lies ahead!

#NatGeoExplorer