The Power Of A Picture, 24 Kenyans Win Big In Tourism Photography Contest

Photography Meets Travel, The Winning Shots That Are Inspiring Wanderlust

Kenya’s tourism sector is embracing the power of photography to showcase the country’s diverse attractions, following the success of the Tembea Kenya Capture Magical Kenya Photography Contest. Organized by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), the contest provided a platform for talented photographers to highlight Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, cultural heritage, and hidden gems. Running from November 5th to December 11th, 2024, the competition attracted an impressive 3,860 entries, with 280 photos shortlisted for the final stage. Out of these, 80 images made it to the finals and were displayed in an exhibition.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano emphasized the government’s commitment to diversifying Kenya’s tourism offerings and encouraging more Kenyans to explore the country. She noted that many attractions remain unknown to both domestic and international travelers, and initiatives like this contest help bring these hidden gems into the spotlight. “This contest provided a platform to tap into the talents of Kenyans, especially the youth. Every young person or photographer is a potential ambassador who can market and promote our tourism sector. The government recognizes tourism’s role in job creation, economic empowerment, and foreign exchange earnings. We are dedicated to ensuring a thriving sector by expanding our tourism offerings and encouraging domestic travel,” she stated.

The contest featured eight categories designed to capture different aspects of Kenya’s tourism appeal: Hidden Gem, Wildlife, Cultural Heritage, Landscapes, People, Adventure, Urban Vibes, and Sustainable Travel. Each category showcased a unique facet of the country, from the bustling energy of cities to the serene beauty of untouched landscapes. KTB Chairman Francis Gichaba highlighted the significance of engaging Kenyans in promoting their home counties. “This initiative allowed domestic tourists and local communities to highlight destinations that deserve global recognition. The response has been phenomenal, demonstrating the potential of using photography as a tool for destination marketing,” he said.

The winners of the competition were celebrated for their outstanding contributions, with 24 Kenyans receiving cash prizes. The top three finalists in each category were awarded Ksh. 150,000 for first place, Ksh. 70,000 for second place, and Ksh. 30,000 for third place. The winners included Leah Mureith (Hidden Gems), Carol Kuyo (Sustainable Travel), Samuel Kisamwa (People), Dalton Odemba (Adventure), Mutahi Chiira (Urban Vibes), Felix Okaka (Cultural Heritage), Geoffrey Bagaka (Landscapes), and Solomon Mwangi Ngari (Wildlife). The awards ceremony, held on February 18th, 2025, showcased the winning photographs, allowing guests to experience the beauty of Kenya through the lens of local photographers.

KTB CEO June Chepkemei reiterated the importance of using citizen-driven content to market Kenya as a must-visit destination. She emphasized that photography is a powerful tool in influencing travel decisions, adding that the contest had successfully leveraged the talent and creativity of young Kenyans to promote the country’s rich tourism landscape. “This contest demonstrated the power of involving locals in destination marketing. The youth have immense talent, and through their lenses, we’ve seen Kenya’s beauty in a whole new light. There is no better way to market Kenya than by allowing its people to tell the story themselves,” she stated.

With photography increasingly shaping travel trends, this contest marks the beginning of a new era in destination marketing. The success of the Tembea Kenya Capture Magical Kenya Photography Contest paves the way for more interactive and engaging tourism campaigns, allowing Kenyans to play an active role in promoting their country. As thousands of hidden gems await discovery, Kenya is proving that one snapshot at a time, the world can see just how magical it truly is.

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