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."

Photos: Kenya at 50: Stunning photos celebrate country's culture

Mt. Longonot – 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."

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Ken Mwaura said: "Machakos Bus Station, also known as Masaku Airport, is one of the busiest and largest bus terminals in the country. The bus terminal has been passed down generations as a link for upcountry bound passengers traveling from Nairobi to other provinces in Kenya."

Photos: Kenya at 50: Stunning photos celebrate country's culture

Aerial view of Machakos Bus Station – Ken Mwaura said: "Machakos Bus Station, also known as Masaku Airport, is one of the busiest and largest bus terminals in the country. The bus terminal has been passed down generations as a link for upcountry bound passengers traveling from Nairobi to other provinces in Kenya."

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Sebastian Wanzalla said: "The Maasai are pastoralist and they have for centuries maintained their culture. And if you ask any foreigner anything about Kenya apart from our athletes and the wildlife the next thing they will mention is the Maasai people. They play a major role in the heritage of our country Kenya. Even the name Nairobi (meaning a place of cool waters) is a Maasai word."

Photos: Kenya at 50: Stunning photos celebrate country's culture

Maasai Herdsman – Sebastian Wanzalla said: "The Maasai are pastoralist and they have for centuries maintained their culture. And if you ask any foreigner anything about Kenya apart from our athletes and the wildlife the next thing they will mention is the Maasai people. They play a major role in the heritage of our country Kenya. Even the name Nairobi (meaning a place of cool waters) is a Maasai word."

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Photos: Kenya at 50: Stunning photos celebrate country's culture

Mwea Irrigation – David Ndirangu said: "The Mwea Irrigation scheme is known as the largest producer of rice in the country."

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Photos: Kenya at 50: Stunning photos celebrate country's culture

Gorgeous – Mutua Matheka says this image was: "Photographed inside the gorge at Hell's Gate National Park in Naivasha."