About

Rich Allela b.1989 is a multiple award-winning photographer and visual artist from Kenya, specializing in art that celebrates African culture and heritage. His journey began unknowingly at the age of 12, when his father—who always carried a camera—passed away, leaving Allela to become the family photographer. Fourteen years later, he left his career as an industrial designer at Bata Shoe Company to pursue photography full-time. Since then, his work has been published in leading magazines and featured on international platforms including CNN and BBC with multiple exhibitions worldwide. He is the first Kenyan photographer to have his images appear on Canon product packaging globally. Allela fuses art and technology to amplify storytelling.  

AWARDS & EXHIBITIONS
2023- ARTIVIVE Canvas 3.0 World Trade Center, New York- Exhibition
2021- BREATHE at Desiderio Gallery, Vienna, Austria
2019- African Heroes & Heroines Photo Exhibition, Alliancé Franćais,Nairobi
2019- 30 at 30 Photo Exhibition, Movenpick Hotel,Nairobi
2017 - Winner - Celebrate Africa competition by Canon, PicFair & New African Magazine
2016 – Canon Kenya Photography Awards People’s Choice: Winner
2016 – Canon Kenya Photography Awards Special Category (Climate): Winner
2016 – Canon Kenya Photography Awards Portraiture Series: Runners-Up
2016 - Bidco Happy Healthy Living Photography Competition: Winner
2015 - Canon Featured Photographer of the day, #ExploreKenya
2013 – Photography Exhibition, University of Nairobi