From Salgaa to Stardom: Meet Collins Yegon, the Kitenge Fashion Fest Photographer of the Year

Collins Yegon, founder of Nitrogen Photography, is quickly becoming a familiar face in Nakuru's photography scene. Born and raised in Salgaa, he has turned his passion into a profession, telling powerful stories through his photography.

He describes photography as his language and the camera as an extension of his body and mind. Over the past six years, he has documented people, wildlife, nature and everyday life across Kenya.

Although he officially began his professional photography career in 2019, Yegon’s interest was sparked much earlier, in 2017, when he started taking photos on his phone just for fun.

“I had just started studying mechanical engineering at Rift Valley National Polytechnic when I realised that my true passion lay in photography,” he says.

Encouraged by the positive feedback on his early work, he used savings from youth empowerment jobs (Kazi Mtaani) to purchase his first camera, a Nikon D3400. That marked the beginning of his journey as a professional photographer.

'People loved the photos I was taking, which pushed me to take it seriously,' Yegon recalls.

Yegon specialises in action, events and documentary photography and has a keen interest in environmental conservation.

Despite studying for a diploma in mechanical engineering at Rift Valley National Polytechnic, he has managed to balance his studies with running a photography business, a task he admits is not always easy.

'It can be very difficult to balance school and photography when both demand your full attention,' he says.

His talent was recently recognised when he was nominated for and won the Photographer of the Year award at the Kitenge Fashion Fest.

“The win felt exhilarating. I just can’t describe the feeling,” he said, noting that, although it hasn't yet brought new opportunities, he believes it has opened valuable networking and growth opportunities.

Yegon currently runs three photography studios: one in Ngata, one in Nakuru’s Central Business District and one in his hometown of Salgaa.

Despite facing challenges such as being robbed multiple times, his determination remains unshaken. He credits his family as his biggest supporters, who have always stood by him through every milestone and setback.

“Photography isn’t just art to me — it’s a passion and a lifestyle,” says Yegon.