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Three months since she got into the top ten at the Miss World beauty pageant in London, Miss World Kenya Idah Nguma has been on a roll, making her title worthwhile
Pulse: Is it true that you will be hosting Rolene Strauss, Miss World South Africa?
Idah Nguma: Yes. Normally, after being crowned Miss World, the title holder goes to different countries marketing the Miss World Beauty With a Purpose agenda so that is what Ms Strauss, the current Miss World South Africa, is doing here.
P: Kenya is one of her preferred destinations and this is creating anxiety as we haven’t seen too many Miss World crown holders visiting Kenya during their reign. When is she expected?
IN: Unofficially, I would say Rolene and the rest of the Miss World team is expected here mid next month. Mum (Miss World Kenya franchise holder Terry Mungai) would be the right person to clarify that.
P: You were close to winning the African title and it looks like Rolene was your main competition. Do you see her as a spoiler?
IN: One, I have no regrets whatsoever for joining Miss World or getting as far as I did. I won’t sit down and start lamenting, wishing I had done things differently to get me the crown. No. I am happy with how I performed and proud of my hard work because I believe I did my best... even surpassed. Given a second chance I wouldn’t do anything differently. I had the strength of purpose, knew what I wanted and how bad I wanted it and I did my best to get me noticed and win favour from the panel. I was also very bold. I was not intimidated by anyone.
P: We are still talking about the Miss Africa title here...
IN: Rolene is a smart woman, very smart. I used to talk to her long before the finals in normal interactions and every word out her mouth depicted wisdom. I admired that about her. She also has a heart of gold; she is accommodative to everyone and very passionate about what she does. She is simply amazing. The right girl won Miss World, no doubt.
P: Does the whole Miss World and beauty pageant ambassador role really mean anything?
IN: Beauty queens are ambassadors, either of their country, institution or whatever they are representing. They should be treated with dignity and respect as they are a positive voice of change.
P: Do you think having a Miss World from Africa has demystified the title?
IN: Yes. The diversity that is represented at Miss World is very much appreciated and as long as you are worthy of the title, I don’t think anybody cares where you are from. If you are good enough, you will get it regardless of your descent. We are living in a century were racism is rare, so whether an African girl won or not, the crown went to the best contestant.
P: How has the new celebrity status changed your life?
IN: I still lead a normal life just that now that I am a role model to many young people. I have to live like one. I can’t leave the house looking shaggy. I always have to look good. Whatever I post on my social media should match my position. I have to live a life worthy of the title.
P: You have been working closely with the Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua, besides keeping your national duties...
IN: Governor Alfred Mutua and the Machakos County Government have really been behind me all the way since I won the Miss Machakos title, so it is only prudent for me to support some initiatives there. Through the governor I have been able to meet President Uhuru Kenyatta who is also passionate about the modelling industry. It is connections like these that make my ambassador title worthwhile.
P: Your project with Smile Train is quite a philanthropic affair. Have you always wanted to work with charity organisations?
IN: The Smile Train is a project that was introduced to me by Mum (Terry Mungai). It is all about saving children with cleft lips and for that reason fits in with the Miss World Beauty with a Purpose call. It gives children a chance to believe in themselves once again and I believe it is the best choice of charity I could have made as Miss Kenya.
P: How do you achieve balance knowing that you still have a personal life and school to take care of?
IN: It is true that having the title is quite a challenge. I had so much pressure at first but with time I have learnt how to juggle between my Miss World duties and my life without any of them being affected.
P: What legacy do you want to leave behind?
IN: I want people to remember me, not as just Miss World Kenya, but also an individual who touched hearts and helped to make positive change in our society.
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