Feature: China funded photography contest revives creative spirit of Kenyan youth

The remote village in Western Kenya where Denis Ochieng grew up was cut off from the trappings of modernity, yet the 35-year-old father of two never gave up his childhood dream to become an accomplished photographer.

Born and raised in a family of modest means, Ochieng worked hard in school with the knowledge that academic success was the surest escape route from village drudgery.

Immediately after graduating from high school, Ochieng migrated to Nairobi where he did a variety of casual jobs to enable him to pay household bills and college fees.

Thanks to benevolence from friends, Ochieng managed to acquire a portable camera that he used to launch a career that he cherished since childhood.

Currently working for a leading Kenyan daily as a photojournalist, Ochieng was on Monday declared the overall winner of a photography contest sponsored by China Roads and Bridges Corporation (CRBC).

The Chinese construction firm in November announced the photography contest to help showcase its work on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

Ochieng and his seven comrades won cash awards after presenting captivating images revolving around five themes selected by CRBC to showcase its work on the modern railway line that will connect the entire east African region.

During a telephone interview with Xinhua on Tuesday, Ochieng hailed CRBC for providing him an opportunity to prove his mettle in photography.

"The SGR photography contest was an eye opener for me and other colleagues. We had a thrilling experience during the road trip from Mombasa to Nairobi as we captured iconic images along the passage route of the Standard Gauge Railway," Ochieng said.

During the five day road trip from Mombasa to Nairobi, Ochieng and his comrades captured riveting images of construction works along the Railway line.

The photographers as well captured images revolving around the themes of corporate social responsibility, entrepreneurship, innovation and environmental conservation.

Ochieng revealed that his winning photos focused on the five themes articulated by CRBC to help document its activities in Kenya for future reference.

"The most fascinating photograph I took was the one of a lady seated in front of her hut located in a remote jungle that is few yards away from an imposing bridge constructed by CRBC,"said Ochieng.

He disclosed the other winning photo was taken in a school in lower eastern Kenya whose refurbishment was sponsored by CRBC.

"I decided to be innovative and captured the image of an engineer from CRBC shaking hands with smiling children from the school the company had earlier renovated," Ochieng told Xinhua.

Armed with the prize money totaling 20,000 U.S. dollars alongside name recognition, Ochieng has vowed to elevate his profession to another level.

"My dream is to work as a photojournalist for an international media organization. Likewise, I might in future start my own photography business in order to employ and mentor upcoming talent," said Ochieng.

The SGR photography contest sponsored by CRBC attracted more than 2000 entries from Kenyan youth across the ethnic, social and economic divide.

Joy Mbithe, a 20-year-old law student who emerged the 2nd overall winner in the non professional category said the competition honed her skills in the art.

While growing up in Kenya's north rift region, photography was Mbithe's favorite hobby.

"My father had a camera that I often used to capture eye catching scenes in the town where I grew up. Besides my busy schedule in Campus, I still find time to take photos," Mbithe told Xinhua.

She learnt about the SGR photography contest through her mother who saw the announcement in the Newspaper.

Mbithe's winning entries focused on the corporate social responsibility projects initiated by CRBC to help transform livelihoods of communities adjacent to the railway line.

"My favorite photographs were on children whose dreams were reclaimed after intervention from CRBC.I also took photographs of conservation projects initiated by CRBC in the lower eastern region," said Mbithe.

She has vowed to pursue photography alongside law to help advance societal good.

Kenyan youth from marginalized regions who participated in the SGR photography contest experienced a transformation unrivalled in history.

Abdikadir Aden, a 27-year-old environmentalist from north eastern Kenya decided to try his luck after learning about the contest through the media.

"I submitted entries that resonate with my passion for environmental conservation and was elated to be informed that I was the 1st runners up winner in the non professional category," Aden told Xinhua.

His unwavering passion for ecosystems conservation has won him recognition locally and overseas.

The SGR photography contest offered Kenyan youth a platform to explore new horizons and learn from each other.

Fredrick Dharshie, the People's Choice Award Winner, was upbeat about the future having participated in a photography contest that broadened his world views.

The 26 years old professional model and actor said his participation at the SGR photography contest re-energized his passion to advance societal welfare through visual arts.

"I was impressed by the SGR photography contest since it gave me a chance to tell stories that connect with communities more candidly. As a humanitarian photographer, I plan to tell African stories that are positive, rich and authentic," said Dharshie. Endit