Now fans can vote for candidates on Ms President Reality show

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

From 9pm tonight, Kenyans will be able to cast their votes in favour of their preferred candidate of the Ms President Reality TV show that airs on KTN Home every Wednesday from 8-9pm.

The votes will be cast through the free short messaging service (SMS) code 22840 where viewers will decide who will be crowned the “President” during the show's grand finale on July 31.

During tonight’s show, viewers will also watch the contestants on their campaign trails as they tour various parts of Nairobi County to sell their manifestos to the public.

The candidates are Waruguru wa Kiai, Betty Odera, Irene Mayaka, Nereah Amondi Oketch (Nominated Ward Representative, Homa Bay County) and Umulkheir Mohammed.

In a fleet of motor vehicles, the candidates visited different places and met with viewers who are expected to determine their fate from tonight when voting begins.

In a rare spectacle, one contestant spoke after another focusing solely on their manifestos unlike in the mainstream politics where competitors conduct separate and often “smear” campaigns against each other.

The contestants displaying campaign placards and posters were received heartily by fans at various areas including Ndonyo Market in Dagoretti, Kibra and Transami.

As viewers anticipate the grand finale, contestants are bracing for the ultimate ‘Presidential Debate’ on July 24 where they are expected to speak on matters national policy, governance and current affairs among other issues. 

The show premiered on January 30 this year with an aim of empowering women and girls to be leaders in peacebuilding and prevent the spread of violent extremism and radicalisation. 

“The overall objective of the project is to build sustainable capacity in Kenya for effective peace-building, conflict management and crisis preparedness,” said Harrison Manga, Country Director of Media Focus on Africa, the executive producers of the show.

The winner “President” is set to become an important national spokesperson for female leadership in peace-building, said Manga.

The show started off with 70 women and through weekly eliminations based on group and individual assignments, contestants have narrowed down to the remaining five.