Mirror, mirror, here is Kenya’s fairest maiden

''That’s the kind of African lady that will win the Miss World title,” a judge, Derrick Asetto, confessed on Saturday night when Natasha Meto was crowned the 2010 Miss World Kenya.

The 20-year-old beauty queen waiting to join university this year, brushed aside stiff competition from 11 other contestants.

Natasha, will represent Kenya at the 2010 Miss World event to be held in Sanya, China on October 31. She also won a brand new Toyota IST car.

Immediately after winning, when asked how she felt, she told the audience that she didn’t know how to describe her moment of fame. “I have no words to describe this moment,” she retorted.

More than 2,000 aspirants from all over the country competed for the crown. Only 24 made it to the Miss World House where 12 qualified for the Grand Finale.

The judges were Miss World Kenya Franchise holder Mrs Terry Mungai, former model Tracy Ombajo, Survivor Africa contestant and model Derrick Asetto, and Robert Derby, among others.

The models were subjected to fast-track-events where they were taught to catwalk. Then there was sports, public speaking, talent and language — basic Chinese phrases.

The first runner up position went to 21-year-old dancer Nderaisho Mshila and second runner up was grabbed by 18-year-old Farida Diba.

In other awards for the 12 contestants, 19-year-old Faith dressed by Angel Smiles took the 2010 Miss Photogenic Award and 22-year-old Mercy dressed by Zame won the best sports award.

A dress designed by Dola Creations and show-cased by 22-year-old Evangeline Karimi, a front office receptionist at 680 Hotel, was voted as the best outfit. The dress will be won by the Kenyan contestant for the Miss World event in China.

Already she wants to grab the crown for Kenya. “I came here during my first pageant and won. I can bring the Miss World title to Kenya,” she said.

She hit the stage clad in a flowing dress by local designer, Paula-Rembo. Natasha’s story begins from Mosoriot near Eldoret where she was born. Growing up in the village and the daily hurdles were difficult.

She then moved to the city to study travel and related subjects at a Nairobi-based college. On Saturday night at the Braeburn Centre, the lady not used to camera clicks suddenly thrust into the crux of fame.

Her elder sister Sheilah Wangunyu told the Nation that Natasha was a “big girl” and she will handle it. “She’s responsible. We expect her to handle the fame responsibly,” she remarked.

In the past, Miss World Kenya event organisers have been seemingly struggling to unveil a girl who would take the international industry by storm.

Miss World was founded in 1951 on the principle of charity and giving back to the society, and brings together more than 120 countries.

Given her beauty and brains, Natasha is expected to be a top-notch contestant at the world event.

Natasha will not only be flaunting designer merchandise on the catwalk, but will be joining model Cecilia Mwangi of the anti-jigger campaign fame, a past winner of the crown.

Cecelia has become the face of eradicating jiggers in her project with Ahadi Kenya Trust.