‘Ms President’ contestants brace for tough presidential debate as Reality show closes

71 candidates shortlisted to battle it out for the 'Ms President' title.

Six months ago, Kenyans sat glued on their television sets to watch the first-ever female Reality TV show on leadership, Ms President.

The show that premiered on January 30 will be lowering its curtains on Wednesday, July 31.

On Wednesday, July 24, the final five contestants are bracing for the ultimate ‘Presidential Debate’ where they are expected to speak on matters national policy, governance and current affairs among other issues.

71 contestants and 26 episodes later, Ms President has set the precedent for a new wave of leadership in Kenya, with its main focus being female leadership.

Women with exemplary community projects and passionate about bringing social change applied to participate in the show after a participation call was released in June 2018.

After thorough shortlisting based on the answers submitted in the application forms, 375 women were invited for auditions in five major towns in Kenya.

71 contestants were given the opportunity to square it out for the grand prize, business support, networking opportunities, capacity building and mentorship by both local and international players.

Ms President finalists Waruguru Wa Kiai, Nereah Amondi Oketch, Irene Mayaka, Betty Adera and Umulkheir Mohammed. [Courtesy]

It is now down to five contestants among them, Anne Waruguru Kiai, Betty Adera, Irene Mayaka, Nereah Amondi Oketch and Umulkheir Mohammed who are battling for the title of Kenya's first female president.

From Wednesday last week, Kenyans were granted a chance to vote for their preferred candidate of the Ms President Reality TV show that airs on KTN Home every Wednesday from 8-9pm.

The inspiration to come up with the "Ms. President" reality series in Kenya which is produced by Media Focus on Africa (MFA) is said to have originated from the Palestinian Ma'aan Television Network's highly popular program "The President", which involved choosing a young Palestinian to be the next Palestinian President.