Messry Lung'atso has returned to Nairobi as the reigning Miss African Essence International 2026 after a historic win at the inaugural pageant in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The University of Nairobi economics graduate was crowned on May 2 at Friendship Park, marking a significant milestone for Kenya on the continental stage.
Upon landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on May 11, Lung'atso was received by a jubilant delegation including Ivy Etemesi, the Director of Miss African Essence International Kenya, and Fiona Juma.
The queen expressed her pride in bringing the crown home, noting that the pageant serves as a vital platform for promoting tourism, heritage, and the unity of African nations.
"I am so proud to be back home with the crown at a pageant that promotes culture and unity," Lung'atso said as she addressed the media. She emphasized that her primary goal is to use her new title to champion African heritage and continental pride throughout her reign.
Ivy Etemesi described the victory as an overwhelming achievement that restores Kenya’s prominence in the global pageantry world. She noted that clinching the title during their first entry into this specific competition is a testament to the talent within the country.
"It is actually overwhelming in a good way," Etemesi said during the reception. "The win is returning Kenya back to the global map in the pageantry world. Being our first win and being the best in Africa really feels good."
Lung'atso's journey to the crown began in local pageants in Western Kenya, where she initially placed as a runner-up. Her persistence saw her win BAIP Kenya and BAIP Africa in 2022, and she later secured the title of Miss Air Kenya in 2024.
Beyond the runway, the new queen is a diploma holder in cabin crew and a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment.
Her advocacy project, Threads of Africa, Weaving Unity Through Culture, focuses on how diverse traditions can serve as powerful tools for understanding.
Her preparation for the international stage involved rigorous training in catwalk, public speaking, and styling.
This journey was supported by her community, who organised a fundraiser and send-off party before she departed for Ethiopia.
Lung'atso noted that pageantry involves significant sacrifices and late nights that the public rarely sees, and also outlined plans to collaborate with various institutions to promote cultural pride.
She also plans to work frequently with children on topics ranging from financial literacy to artwork.