Nairobi National Park
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The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) recently concluded its "Tembea Kenya Capture Magical Kenya" photography contest, awarding eight photographers for their exceptional visual documentation of the country's lesser-known tourist attractions.
The initiative aims to diversify Kenya's tourism portfolio and stimulate local tourism by showcasing hidden gems often overlooked by both domestic and international travellers. The contest, divided into eight categories – hidden gems, wildlife, cultural heritage, landscapes, people, adventure, urban vibes, and sustainable travel – challenges Kenyan photographers to capture compelling images that highlight the beauty and potential of these locations.
This approach directly addresses the government's commitment to promoting a wider array of destinations, as articulated by Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano. Miano emphasizes the importance of engaging Kenyans in discovering and promoting these newly uncovered sites, thereby enhancing the country's overall tourism appeal and creating job opportunities and economic empowerment. Tourism is a critical source of foreign exchange for the country.
According to KTB Chairman Francis Gichaba, the competition sought to tap into the experiences of domestic tourists and residents living near these hidden gems, informing the broader public of potential attractions that warrant a visit. CEO June Chepkemei reiterates the success of involving citizens in the promotion of diverse destinations across the country saying, "This contest revealed the potential of leveraging youth talent to spotlight hidden gems beyond traditional tourism hotspots. It aligns with KTB's mandate to market Kenya both domestically and internationally."
The competition attracted 3,860 entries, with 280 photos shortlisted for the final stages. Out of these, 80 photos advanced to the finals and were exhibited, showcasing various tourist destinations across 30 counties. Twenty-four photographers were awarded cash prizes in the eight categories, with first-place winners receiving Sh 150,000 each, while second and third-place winners were awarded Sh 70,000 and Sh 30,000, respectively.
Overall first-place winners included Leah Mureithi (hidden gems), Carol Kuyo (sustainable travel), Samuel Kisamwa (people), Dalton Odemba (adventure), Mutahi Chiira (urban vibes), Felix Okaka (cultural heritage), Geoffrey Bagaka (landscape), and Solomon Ngari (wildlife). By providing both financial rewards and increased visibility to talented Kenyan photographers, the "Tembea Kenya Capture Magical Kenya" competition has reinforced the vital role of tourism in the nation's economic landscape.