What you need to know about Miss Universe Kenya

The prestigious Miss Universe Kenya pageant is back. From a list of 326 contestants, the top 20 finalists for 2024 have been announced.

The competition, which began in 2002, is separate from the Miss World Kenya and Miss Kenya beauty pageants. It serves as the national pageant that determines who gets to represent Kenya in the Miss Universe Pageant.

Among the top 20 are Annabelle Reeno, Aiyan Abdi, Brenis Wanyonyi, Brenda Njoki, Britney Kimani, Esther Achieng', Fridah Kariuki, Grace Maghanga, Irene Ng'endo, Mokeira Onchiri and Karren Kiprotich. Mercy Jerotich, Nichole Israel, Pauline Gichohi, Sadia Said, Stacy Sang', Tabitha Ashley, Susan Wahu, Vivian Olago and Vennessa Sunday complete the list.

The grand ceremony will take place on 16 August 2024 at the Argyle Grand Hotel, with 17 other competing countries from around the world expected to crown their crown holders later in the month. South Africa will crown their representative on the 10th of August.

Criteria for selecting Miss Universe

The Miss Universe Kenya pageant has extensive judging standards that consider a contestant's appearance, personality and performance and these are the criteria used;

Beauty and poise: The contestant's overall stage presence, grace and poise will be judged. This includes their walk, posture and confidence.

Judges will assess each contestant's intellect and communication skills, including their ability to express ideas clearly, respond to questions and engage in meaningful dialogue. Clarity, eloquence and intelligence are important.

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It is important to have a vibrant personality that comes across both on and off stage. Authenticity, warmth and relatability.

Advocacy and social impact: This is how committed the contestants are to social issues and how they impact their communities. Their participation in awareness-raising or charity activities will be considered.

Health and Fitness: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being physically fit is crucial - a well-groomed body speaks volumes about commitment and discipline.

Style and Fashion: The judges will be looking at the contestants' sense of style, fashion sense and overall appearance in a variety of outfits such as evening gowns and swimsuits.

Talent and Special Skills: If there's a talent section, the judges will look for special skills such as singing, dancing or other talents.

Overall Impression: The judges form an overall impression based on how well a contestant embodies the qualities of a Miss Universe representative.

 Past Miss Universe winners

Roshanara Ebrahim was crowned Miss Universe Kenya 2021. She previously won Miss World Kenya 2016 but withdrew from the Miss World competition that year.

Stacy Michuki represented Kenya at Miss Universe 2019, with Wabaiya Kariuki carrying the crown in 2018. Mary Esther archived a top 6 finish in the 2016 global finals.

The Miss Universe Kenya pageant offers various prizes for top performers. The exact details for the 2024 edition have not yet been announced, but these are some of the prizes from previous years.

The winner will receive a Mouwad crown embellished with diamonds and gold. Winning the title also brings national recognition and prestige, with opportunities for endorsements and collaborations with brands.

The Mouawad Crown is a work of art that adorns the head of the Miss Universe winner.

The crown has several exciting features. Valued at $5 million (Sh650 million), it features 1725 white diamonds and three gold diamonds and its centrepiece is a modified mixed-cut gold diamond.

The handcrafted crown is a symbol of unity and this masterpiece celebrates the bond of women worldwide and carries a message of hope, beauty and positive influence.