Miss Universe Kenya 2024 marked a grand comeback for the prestigious beauty pageant after a three-year hiatus. This year’s competition stood as a testament to the growth of the pageant industry in Kenya, with a revamped structure under new franchise management, more rigorous participant evaluation, and a renewed vision that goes beyond beauty. Contestants were selected through a blend of virtual applications, public voting, and preliminary competitions, with a focus on advocacy, social media engagement, and personal empowerment. As Kenya gears up for the global Miss Universe stage, this year’s finalists reflect the evolution of the pageant into a platform for leadership and community impact.
Fotophreak: What was the elimination criteria for the rest of the applicants who didn’t make it to the finals
1. Virtual Application:
2. Reality Show:
2. Contestants are judged on their confidence, elegance, posture, and how they present themselves in swimwear and formal attire.
4. Personal Advocacy or Platform: Many pageants look at the cause’s contestants advocate for and how well they align with the pageant’s values and mission. Passion, commitment, and knowledge of these causes play a significant role.
5. Social Media Engagement: Looking at how they engage with their audience and promote the pageant’s brand.
6. Public Vote: Public voting influences the selection of finalists.
7. Performance in Preliminary Competitions: Before the finals, contestants participated in preliminary round, including Swimsuit and National costume competition.
Fotophreak: What was the cause of the 4-year absence of the miss universe pageant in Kenya. And what was done to bring it back.
Miss Universe: It’s actually 3years, New Franchise Management: The Miss Universe Kenya franchise was taken over by new management, which helped streamline operations and bring a fresh vision to the competition. The new team focused on improving organization and aligning the competition with international standards.
Fotophreak: Who do you give the most credit for making this return possible. And what can be done to avoid a similar situation in future.
Miss Universe: The Ababu Namwamba Foundation played a pivotal role in the return of the Miss Universe Kenya pageant after its three-year absence through:
1. Securing the Miss Universe Kenya franchise
2. Sponsorships and Partnerships
3. Youth Empowerment Advocacy
4. Brand Rebuilding and Promotion
5. Fostering a New Vision
Avoiding Future Interruptions:
1. Partnerships with both Government and Private sectors
2. Sustainable Funding Models
3. Institutional Support
The Ababu Namwamba Foundation’s efforts not only helped to bring back Miss Universe Kenya but also set the stage for the pageant to evolve into a powerful platform for social change, aligning with its mission to inspire young women to be leaders and advocates in their communities.
– What is the most iconic part of your pageant recruitment process and boot camp, and what makes it different from other international pageants in Kenya
The most iconic part of our pageant recruitment process and boot camp for Miss Universe Kenya is the holistic approach we took to groom contestants.
1. Authenticity & Storytelling
2. Emphasis on Personal Branding
3. Leadership & Public Speaking Training
4. Community Influence
– What is the biggest difference between Miss World, Miss Earth and Miss Universe Kenya
Key Differences:
• Miss Universe Kenya: Highlights leadership, personal empowerment, mainly with this years’ theme Beyond Beauty
• Miss World: Focuses on humanitarian efforts and social causes through “Beauty with a Purpose.”
• Miss Earth: Centers around environmental protection and sustainability, with a strong emphasis on ecological advocacy.
Fotophreak: How are you preparing the Miss Universe Kenya winner for the global competition coming up in November?
Miss Universe Kenya: Preparing the Miss Universe Kenya winner for the global competition in November requires a well-rounded approach to ensure she represents the country well:
• Personal Development & Confidence Building
• Runway & Stage Presence
• Wardrobe & Styling
• Fitness & Health
• Interview Preparations
• Advocacy Focus
Fotophreak: Why do you think Kenya has not yet produced a Miss Universe winner globally, and what can we do this year to achieve this feat? And do better than our previous representatives in the past years.
Miss Universe Kenya: Kenya has yet to produce a Miss Universe winner globally, despite sending remarkable contestants. Understanding these challenges can help us better prepare this year’s candidate to surpass the previous results and aim for the crown.
Miss Universe Kenya: List of prizes awarded to the winners
Winner
– Ksh.1Million
– 1 year furnished apartment
– 1 year modern office space
– Ababu Namwamba Foundation support for charitable cause
– All Black Beauty make-up services
– Represent Kenya at Miss Universe Kenya Global stage in Mexico
1st runners up
– Ksh.300,000
2nd runners up
– Ksh. 150,000
Fotophreak: What can the audience expect to have in the Miss Universe Kenya event next year ?
Miss Universe Kenya: For the Miss Universe Kenya event next year, the audience can expect a grander, more dynamic experience that builds on the success and momentum from previous years.
The Jury Table was graced by BIG TED, Former Consulate and a respected entertainment industry head, Suzy Kirui Project Chaperon and former Miss Earth Kenya, the soft-spoken Sasa Krneta –MOZZART’S Regional CEO and last but not least the International Super Model AJUMA, who absolutely needs no introduction.
Miss Universe Kenya 2024 has brought a fresh wave of excitement and national pride, paving the way for future pageants with a stronger focus on personal advocacy, leadership, and community influence. Thanks to the efforts of the Ababu Namwamba Foundation and its partners, the competition is poised for sustainability and long-term success. With strategic preparation for the global Miss Universe competition and valuable lessons learned from the past, Kenya is better positioned than ever to make its mark on the international stage. As we look forward to next year’s event, the pageant promises to continue evolving, offering even more for contestants and audiences alike.
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