Miss World Kenya and Africa to help girls reach for the stars

Miss World Kenya Evelyn Njambi. She represented Kenya at the Grand Final of the Miss World 2016 where she was in the top 5 and was named Miss World Africa. PHOTO | COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • The model, who looks set to take on the world, says she is done with the catwalk and will instead help women in need across the country. She spoke to about her plans.
  • When I was crowned Miss World Kenya, I had to focus on an initiative that was not cliché. I thought FGM was a really big problem that needed to be addressed. Currently, I am addressing parents, especially fathers, who usually have no idea about what goes on in FGM.
  • Winning is a plus for me. I now have a voice and can make a difference in the issues I have always wanted to highlight and bring awareness to. Nothing else has changed, however. I still hang out with the same friends. 

Tell us about your modelling background

I started modelling in my first year at Maseno University, where I am doing my undergraduate studies in Interior Design with IT. My first competition was the Mr and Miss Maseno University. It didn’t go well for me, considering that I didn’t make it to the top five. I gave modelling a break for about a year as I contemplated if it was really the right thing for me.

During that period, my brother told me about auditions for Miss Kenya, Kiambu County. I felt I was ready. I was on campus, so he sent me fare to the auditions in Nairobi.

We were very discreet about it and didn’t tell our parents for fear of them saying No. I got into the competition and started advancing well, going all the way to win the Miss Kenya, Kiambu County title. That was my first big break. 

At what point did you tell your parents and what was their reaction?

The night after I won (laughs). I got home very late and, the next morning, I gave my dad the certificates. He didn’t know what they were for. When I finally told him, he was very happy for me and assured me of his support. It was very unexpected and touching. 

He didn’t have a problem at all?

At first he was worried that I would drop out of university to pursue modelling. But I convinced him that I would do both things concurrently. When I became Miss World Kenya, I went to him and told him I needed to defer my studies for a semester to prepare for the competition. But I didn’t think it was worth it. I was shocked when he told me that I didn’t have anything to lose, so I should just defer and resume my studies later. He is my biggest fan. He called me almost every night when I was in Washington DC to encourage me. 

Miss Kenya Evelyn Njambi Thungu is pictured during the Grand Final of the Miss World 2016 pageant at the MGM National Harbor December 18, 2016 in Oxon Hill, Maryland. PHOTO | AFP

But your journey to the top was not linear.

Not at all. I was the first-runners up at the Miss World Kenya competition. I was crushed for being so close, yet so far away.

I went back to school and, after a few weeks, I received a call that I was the new Miss World Kenya. I was told I was replacing the former Miss World Kenya (Roshanara Ebrahim) after she was stripped off the title due to an alleged breach of the Miss World franchise’s code of conduct. 

Was preparing for the competition difficult, with just three months remaining?

The preparations had their own challenges. But I thank the Kiambu County government for supporting and preparing me. I don’t know where I would be without their support. I also got immense help from Mrs Terry Mungai, the Miss World Kenya franchise director. I did my best and I am happy that I did well at the finals. 

Why are you retiring?

I am retiring only as regards beauty pageantry. I believe a person has time to do something and then the next chapter of their life begins. I cannot represent Kenya internationally again. It would be unfair, seeing that there are many other models who deserve the title. Also, there are many platforms I can venture into. I want to do more for charity. 

What is ‘Reach For The Stars’ campaign about?

I wanted to attach a purpose to what I was doing after I was crowned Miss Kenya, Kiambu County. I’ve always wanted free, quality education for everyone. Free primary education came as a blessing to many people, but there are some students who cannot afford stationery such as books and pencils. I started donating used text books, novels and shoes with the help of the Kiambu County Red Cross chairlady.

Then I launched my initiative, “Reach For The Stars’ where I offer mentorship, encouragement and motivation to girls and boys. 

How did you end up campaigning against circumcision of girls?

When I was crowned Miss World Kenya, I had to focus on an initiative that was not cliché. I thought FGM was a really big problem that needed to be addressed. Currently, I am addressing parents, especially fathers, who usually have no idea about what goes on in FGM. The support we have received so far is a gain. It is a lifetime plan. 

What is your relationship with Roshanara?

There is no bad blood between us. I remember wishing her well, and her doing the same during a phone call we had immediately after her dethroning. Whatever happened was beyond our control. I felt bad for her but, at the same time, it was my duty to step in and fly Kenya’s flag high. 

Do you feel less of a winner since you didn’t win on the catwalk, but after someone was booted?

I do not feel any less of a Miss World Kenya, all things considered. I wanted the title from the word go and I actually did well in the competition, save for coming second, which also says a lot. When the opportunity came, I grabbed it with both hands because they would have given it to someone else had I said No. 

What has changed for you after being crowned Miss World Africa?

Winning is a plus for me. I now have a voice and can make a difference in the issues I have always wanted to highlight and bring awareness to. Nothing else has changed, however. I still hang out with the same friends. 

What would you advise girls who aspire to be models?

Be yourself. Be true to yourself. True beauty, in its sincerest form, comes when you are yourself. No one will ever know your value until you emanate. It goes a long way not only for yourself, but also for others.

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QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS

Miss Kenya, Evelyn Njambi. PHOTO | COURTESY

What is beauty?

Everyone is beautiful in their own right. Beauty is skin deep. It is more on how confident a person is with themselves and the ability to use their capacity to make a difference in another person’s life. As for size, that is irrelevant when it comes to defining beauty. No one should be judged according to size because everyone has a place to belong. 

Do you work out, watch what you eat, or are naturally skinny?

I do not work out. I am naturally slim. I only worked out for body toning and fitness purposes, which were required for the competition. 

Top five Kenyan models?

Ajuma Nasenyana, Faith Wanyama, James Maina from Laikipia County, Aida Nguma and Charity Mwangi. 

Describe your fashion sense?

Simple and classy. 

Favourite quote?

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. 

Role models?

My mum and Mother Teresa 

Relationship status?

Very single. It’s been six months since my last relationship. 

Five things about you

I love purple, don’t drink alcohol, I’m a good driver, I prefer a natural make-up look, I love cars.