After the crown

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.

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.