Miss Nestea World Kibera is an initiative to give the underprivileged in society, especially in slums, an opportunity to venture into fashion and modelling. The event took place on March 12, 2011 at Naiorbi’s Kibera grounds near the DC

Linda Kavetsa

camp. Many of the contestants had no modelling experience and were trained the previous day.

The current Miss World Kenya, Natasha Metto, was in attendance to crown the winning contestant — 18-year-old Linda Tracy Kavetsa.

Linda was born and grew up in Kibera though her family has since moved out. She cleared high school last year and scored a B-minus. This was Linda’s first time to be

Natasha Metto

on a catwalk and she was overjoyed when she emerged the winner among eight contestants who had remained after various levels of elimination.

"Being my first time in such a competition, I was a bit tense and nervous, but I believed in myself and gave it my best shot. Having lived in Kibera, I have seen many teenagers idle around doing nothing constructive with some being drawn to crime, drugs and other vices. I would like to find a way to help out in this place," says Linda.

Linda says her passion is dancing, but she decided to try modelling after her family and friends encouraged her.

According to Miss World Kenya Natasha, the event is a stepping-stone for young underprivileged women to go for their dreams.

"The response to this competition has been great and there were many participants. Everyone had the chance to show their talent," says Natasha.

Natasha encouraged the participants never to let anyone put them down and that they could make it in anything they put their mind and heart to do.

— Nelly Obadha