Wendy Bella Omolo from Homa Bay County is the new national Miss Tourism Kenya.
Ms Omollo beat 42 other beauties in highly contested finals held at Kidundu grounds in Vihiga County.
The 21-year-old, trying for the second time after failing to clinch the title last year, said being crowned the winner was a dream come true.
A journalism graduate from Moi University, and currently working with the county government of Homa Bay, Omolo said winning the crown and taking it to the western side of the country for the first time was a great honour.
“I am elated by the judges’ act of settling on me as the overall winner for this year’s Miss Tourism Kenya finals,” Omolo said.
Omolo, who doubles up as a peace and unity ambassador, said her first assignment is to woo youths to embrace diversity, celebrate the country’s rich culture and heritage, and stay away from destructive politics.
Omolo said she has a huge task ahead of filling in the shoes of the outgoing Miss Tourism Kenya Jackline Jeruto, who has managed to win international awards.
personal determination
First runner-up position went to Laurah Matakala from Uasin Gishu County, while second runner-up position was taken by Bomet’s Winny Chepngetich.
The top 10 slots taken by Kwale, Kajiado, Uasin Gishu, Bomet, Meru, Samburu, Busia, Homa Bay and Nyeri counties.
Mombasa’s beauty, Babylynn Mukila who wowed the crowds with her ability to overcome disability to contest in the most heightened competition, was awarded the Miss Congeniality Award.
Ms Mukila, who is deaf, won the hearts of the judges and leaders who were around, with Mining Cabinet Secretary Dan Kazungu Kambi describing her as a self-inspired lady who went beyond her limitations to compete.
“It is an award of honour,” said the CS.
Jennifer Wanjiku from Murang’a won the people’s choice award, after she got an overwhelming 44,471 votes through SMS voting.
The pageants who will be ambassadors for the six pillars that make up Miss Tourism Kenya included Omolo (peace and unity), Ms Matakala (hospitality), Ms Chepngetich (investment), Ms Wanjiku (culture), Elizabeth Muthoni (tourism) and Winfred Gakii (environment).
Other categories where the contestants were awarded according to their regions included best grand entry award, fitness category, individual talent, traditional dance, traditional dress, exhibitions and best foods categories.
Residents of Vihiga, who had filled up the event’s venue, shouted with disapproval after their hopes of clinching the grand prize were thwarted after their representative contestant, Victoria Alindi, performed dismally.
Miss Tourism Kenya Director Alice Kamunge said it was up to the counties to live up to the challenge and promote tourism in their rural regions by hosting the event.
Leaders present took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of devolution in enabling a cohesive nation through such events.
“We cannot do away with devolution after tasting its fruits in slightly over three years. Before devolution, there was nothing that brought us together as regions, apart from our political aspirations and ambitions,” CORD leader Raila Odinga said.
Mr Kazungu said celebrating talent, culture, integration and cohesion as Kenyans imparts a lot of sense in society.
He called on stringent measures to be put in place to revitalise the tourism sector that is the country’s strong contributor to the economy.
“We are looking for ambassadors from Mining ministry and Tourism secretariat to work together so as to market jewellery and gemstones found in many parts of our country,” he said.
Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto said; “We have met here as Kenyans. What else can bring us together other than devolution?”
The guests included governors, deputy governors, MPs and MCAs.
