Miss Kenya 2009, Fiona Konchella, 21, is set to represent Kenya at the Miss International 2010 beauty pageant in China next month, she talks to Shirley Genga about her conservation efforts and life after the crown
You come from a conservative Christian family, how did your parents feel about your participation?
At first, my father was not too thrilled about it. I was in my second year of university and he did not want me to get derailed. He also did not understand my drive for beauty pageants. When he understood that it was not just beauty but about beauty with purpose, he became very supportive. My parents have been both supportive and inspiring during my reign as they have always been there making sure I stayed focused. They instilled principles that have seen me through and I’m forever grateful.
What was one of your lowest points during the competition?
The week I got nominated for probation. We were eight girls put on probation and four girls were to be picked from the eight. I’m good at public speaking but I was horrible at cat walking. I remember when I came to the house, most of the girls had been in the industry before, they already had done some professional modelling for local designers so they already knew basics for cat walking. So while most people were learning choreography in catwalk, I was learning both basics and choreography, it was a little intimidating. But my friends Sarah Ochada and Doris Mboyi helped me with my catwalk. I would practice a lot. We are still friends.
There were rules attached to the Toyota Vitz you won, did you have any issues with that?
Yeah, it came with some rules but the good thing is that the rules work for me. I’m not the type of girl who goes out to party and so there was no clash, it worked out very well. Another rule was that, I could not remove the branded stickers on the car until after my reign.
What was your worst experience during the pageant?
The Miss World Pageant was held in three countries, we moved from China to England and then, finally, to South Africa. While making our stopovers in Abu Dhabi, out of 112 contestants, my visa was frozen. I had never felt so discriminated against but after 35 hours of waiting in the airport, my visa was finally approved.
Best Experience during the Miss World pageant?
The hotels we got to stay in were top notch. We stayed in The Hyatt, Grosevenor, Raddison and other big hotels. Also meeting girls from 111 countries, I learned so much and made many friends.
Was there any drama behind the scenes?
I had a wonderful time and everyone was very nice . There were no catfights. It was all a very pleasant experience. When you first come and meet the girls though you may feel a little intimidated because some of them come from countries that had heavily invested in the pageant.
They were wearing designer clothes straight from their high fashion runways and they had so much money to spend and there I was ... we seriously need to up our game. After getting over my little pity party, I decided I was going to suck it up and be content with what I had, do my best for my country (laughs) and not let myself get intimidated. In the end, everyone was fascinated with my Maasai beads and African outfits.
How have you changed since last year?
I’m still the same person but I have become more lady-like and noticeable. Before, I never used to wear makeup or really care about my appearance. Even during my crowning, I barely had any makeup. The old Fiona was simple and less daring the new Fiona is very ladylike and more daring in terms of fashion. What is really interesting is that I left as this simple tomboyish girl and came back
very different. When I went back to school people were staring at me all the time. They still do (laughs). I think when you win such a title it gives you more confidence and you stand out more.
What did you love about being Miss Kenya?
The fact that I got invited to US Embassy functions, and the Rotary meetings. They were so grand and classy. I got to meet the who’s who of this world like the South African President, Jacob Zuma. I will also greatly miss getting my hair done at Ashleys for free when I was Miss Kenya. The best thing about it all is the exposure and experience it brings, all the travelling. Last year, during the Miss World competition, I was good friends with Miss Mauritius and, as a result, I’ve been invited to attend this year’s Miss Mauritius as a guest and all the costs are catered for. It will be a whole week of heaven.
Are you dating?
No, I’m not dating. Since I won the title my life has been so crazy, there is no time to date between school and title duties.
Tell us about your Green initiative?
I have always admired Cecilia (Former Miss Kenya) and Rachael Marete (former
Miss Universe) because their titles were not all about beauty. They did something,
they left a mark and continue to make a difference.
I have always been very passionate about the Environment and my title has opened
so many doors for me as I have been able to network. So in February 2010 my green initiative was born. Turning an idea into reality is not easy. It involves coming up with a plan, getting sponsors and getting people passionate about what you are doing. My target for the year is to plant 150,000 trees. So far we have planted 40,000.
What made you interested in conservation as Miss Kenya 2009?
My interest in conservation peaked after I participated in various conservation efforts that led me to comprehend the importance of preserving our God-given natural environment.
This made me want to do something about it, thus propelling me to start the Youth Going Green Initiative; launching the initiative has ensured that I continue to play a part in the restoration of the largest water-catchment areas in Kenya: the Mau Forest. So far, I have mobilised over 200 youth who have joined me in the following conservation efforts.
What have you achieved with the green initiative?
This January, with the help of the Prime Minister’s office, we mobilised about 100 youth from the Rotaract Club and Nairobi Pentecostal Church to plant 1,000 trees in the Mau together with the British High Commissioner.
We also engaged the Ogiek community, to understand the impact of conservation to the communities living in the Mau. I learnt that conserving the Mau has a direct correlation to the lives of people depending on the forest for their livelihood. We also planted commemoration trees.
Together with the Mathare Youth Development Community, we embarked on a Nairobi River clean up exercise and planted trees at Drive in Primary School and Ruaraka Secondary School. This was to mark the World Environmental Day on June 5. In attendance were approximately 200 youth.
