Kenya at 50: Stunning photos celebrate country's culture

By Teo Kermeliotis, for CNN

Updated 1205 GMT (2005 HKT) December 12, 2013

A photography competition is celebrating Kenya's 50th year of independence from British rule.<br />Kelvin Shani said of his image capturing a sunset at the Rift Valley: "It was photographed at the viewpoint on the way to Mai Mahiu. I see it as a very welcoming picture showcasing the raw beauty of Kenya with its vast landscapes."
Photos: Kenya at 50: Stunning photos celebrate country's culture
Sunset at the Rift Valley – A photography competition is celebrating Kenya's 50th year of independence from British rule.
Kelvin Shani said of his image capturing a sunset at the Rift Valley: "It was photographed at the viewpoint on the way to Mai Mahiu. I see it as a very welcoming picture showcasing the raw beauty of Kenya with its vast landscapes."
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Peter Ndung'u said of his photo: "Every Kenyan can relate to a Maasai as being part of the Kenyan cultural groups and traditions. Local tourists and international tourists are familiar with them and their popular dance that involves high jumps. They, in my opinion, form a strong part of the culture of our national heritage."
Photos: Kenya at 50: Stunning photos celebrate country's culture
Maasai Portrait – Peter Ndung'u said of his photo: "Every Kenyan can relate to a Maasai as being part of the Kenyan cultural groups and traditions. Local tourists and international tourists are familiar with them and their popular dance that involves high jumps. They, in my opinion, form a strong part of the culture of our national heritage."
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Sebastian Wanzalla said his photo showed: "Boatmen in a dhow heading home after collecting building stones from the neighboring island Manda next to Lamu Island."
Photos: Kenya at 50: Stunning photos celebrate country's culture
Boatmen – Sebastian Wanzalla said his photo showed: "Boatmen in a dhow heading home after collecting building stones from the neighboring island Manda next to Lamu Island."
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Sarah Maries said: "The famous tusks on Moi Avenue, Mombasa, are symbolic of entrance into the heart of Mombasa town. They were built to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth (II) to the town in 1952. Coincidentally they also spell M for Mombasa."
Photos: Kenya at 50: Stunning photos celebrate country's culture
The tusks of Mombasa – Sarah Maries said: "The famous tusks on Moi Avenue, Mombasa, are symbolic of entrance into the heart of Mombasa town. They were built to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth (II) to the town in 1952. Coincidentally they also spell M for Mombasa."
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Photographer George Kanyingi said: "Many times we have sat down around a fire and this lady had told us stories of how things were before, during and after independence. Her stories of how much things used to cost really intrigued us and I just wish she had a camera those days to capture all of it."
Photos: Kenya at 50: Stunning photos celebrate country's culture
90 decades in the 254 – Photographer George Kanyingi said: "Many times we have sat down around a fire and this lady had told us stories of how things were before, during and after independence. Her stories of how much things used to cost really intrigued us and I just wish she had a camera those days to capture all of it."
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Photographer Abdul Mutuma said: "Like the mountain rises above the clouds, we have risen adversity and trials. We celebrate our heritage that is the beauty of our great country and the strength of women in society who are the hands that moulded us into who we are."