Imagine a group of photographers whose sole purpose is to document the heartbeat of their country. Each click of the shutter captures a moment in time, which joins a host of other moments to illustrate cities, villages, individuals, groups and more.

That is exactly what One Touch Liveis doing in Kenya. A group of photographers travel their country capturing beautiful photos that document what life is truly like there. While their photography is beautiful, their purpose is much greater – "to document and showcase the beauty of African people, cultures, wildlife and landscapes.”

Four photographers – Joe Makeni, Mutha Matheka, Kevin Ouma, Joe Were, Sebastian Wanzalla and Steven Kitoto – have partnered with World Vision Kenya to showcase what people in rural Kenya are doing to strive to be #hungerfree. Check out some of their amazing photos on Instagram below:

As we secretly interviewed her next to her home (secretively), Lina from Marigat, Baringo County couldn't control her emotions. She was more than happy at the progress made so far. She happens to be one of the many women who gave up FGM and is now educating the community on the dangers of practicing FGM with the help of @WorldVision She was forced into it when she was young, taught the craft at an early age, and had been practicing "clitoridectomy" which is the scientific term for FGM - cutting of the clitoris for many years. It is a very huge problem in nomadic and pastoralist communities because culture demands that you have to undergo clitoridectomy to be married and accepted in the community as a woman, not forgetting married women bring wealth to their fathers. Unfortunately men play a key role in this practice and governments are doing little if anything. Image taken on assignment for @WorldVision for the #HungerFree campaign @onetouchlive #ProFotoB2 #AfricanWomen #African_Portraits #OneTouchLive_WestPokot

A photo posted by Sebastian Wanzalla (@wanzalla) on

"About FGM? This is a very sensitive issue.. I'm close to 90 years old. it's been in my culture for as long as I can remember. I went through it, my mother before me went through it, my children have gone through it... I have seen it and been a part of the practice literally all my life. Now you guys are saying no, the government is saying no... I have no choice but to support your decision but just remember that it's my culture. I will support you nonetheless.", Says Chamakew about Female Genital Mutilation in West Pokot. On a mission with #WorldVision getting a first hand take on FGM issues. I interviewed Chemakew (mother of 7) and a few others about Female Genital Mutilation, its effects on the community and more. More story portraits coming up. #Kenya A photo posted by Joe Were (@jaydabliu) on

Meet Linah, from Marigat, Baringo County in the Rift Valley of Kenya. Married and with 8 grown kids, Linah is one of the many ladies from the Pokot community that gave up FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) and now teaches the dangers of it. With much difficulty... because it is an integral part of her culture. She learned the art of female circumcision at an early age (also having been forced into circumcision when she was young) and had been practicing for years. Fathers would bring their daughters to her when they wanted their girls sold off for marriage. Half the time against their will (Circumcision meant a girl was of high value.. both to the man and the father in terms of dowry payment) She says she quit the practice because of the sensitization efforts of World Vision and the local government. She did not see the value of FGM in her own life. Also because the Kenyan government made it an illegal practice. I'm here with part of the @onetouchlive crew capturing these and more stories all week thanks to World Vision. To get a picture of how the practice is, I have posted a link in my bio to an article done by Lindsey Bever of The Washington Post. (Warning: some images in the article may be of graphic nature) #OneTouchLive #Kenya

A photo posted by Joe Were (@jaydabliu) on


Throughout October and November, to celebrate World Food Day (October 16), we can take a small bite out of a big problem by celebrating our favourite foods with our favourite people - just by doubling up the cost of your meal to help end hunger. Your support will help fight hunger in Kenya, South Sudan and worldwide.

Editorial

Demand Equity

Six Kenyans are redefining African beauty with their photographs

By Meredith Hastings