KU takes Miss University crown

They came, they smiled and posed.

On their catwalk strut, they warmed many hearts and by the evening’s end Kenya had a representative to the continental Miss University Africa to be held in October.

Their confidence, grace and poise held all in thrall. They were the representatives drawn from universities and colleges across Kenya who congregated at KICC last Friday to crown the best among them.

Kenyatta University’s Jean Musumba emerged the winner, Multi media University’s Winnie Njoki was first runners-up while Yvonne Mbula of Kenyatta University was second runners-up.

The decision by the judges did not go down very well with many expressing their disappointment over social media.

Leakey Odera, the president of Miss University-Kenya pageant explained 60% of the marks are awarded off stage.

“This includes internet voting whereby over 8000 votes from the public were received.”

MORE THAN BEAUTY

The pageant organisers also held boot camps for the finalists to scrutinize the contestants and prepare them for the finale.

“We held two boot camps this year One was a retreat in Naivasha and the other at the south coast at the Kazi Kazi Resort in Ukunda.” Leakey said.

“During the camps we look at the contestants’ character and personality. We also take them through rigorous fitness and physical training. “he added

The judges too have their time to observe the contestants’ presence, carriage, poise and natural beauty.

The panel of judges which included pageant’s past winners and professionals from different fields served to lend their perspectives towards identifying Kenya’s Universities ‘best.

They also advised contestants on beauty and skin care regimen that would bring out their best.

During the final presentation, which constitutes 40% of the total marks awarded, the contestants took to the catwalk in three categories of outfits for the benefit of the judges and invited guests in their final bid to impress.

Their African and evening wear was provided by professional designers Dola creations and Kere designs respectively while the contestants designed their creative wear themselves.

The contest, whose standards differs from other pageants which have specific measurements, invites contestants of all figure and body sizes and is now in its fourth edition. The winners are expected to uphold the highest moral standards in their capacity as the universities’ representative.

DON'T JUDGE

Odera, who has over decade worth of experience in organising pageants asked the Kenyan public to support the winners and give them a chance.

“The girls are intelligent and we have mentored them enough to be change agents in the society in the projects and the causes they champion. Let us support them and not focus on their outward appearances.”

The event, whose chief guest was Nairobi’s senator Mike Sonko, was attended by students from various universities and featured entertainment from Camp Mulla, Shanky Radix, Military Swag and Sarakasi dancers.

Browse the photos of the finalists here.