Who’s the fairest of them all?

Marsabit County Miss Tourism beauty pageant finalists at Marsabit Stadium on Monday. The event sought to boost tourism, empower the girl child and promote maintenance of a clean environment. The winner, Marietta Sarayia Turuga, a Gender and Development Studies graduate from the University of Nairobi, pledged to use her position to empower the youth and women. Governor Ukur Yatani commended the Tourism department for organising the event, which he said not only boosted tourism but also created job opportunities for locals.[PHOTO: DENNIS MBAE/STANDARD]

Marsabit County beauties this week contested hotly in the Miss Tourism beauty pageant that sought to promote tourism and maintain a clean environment.

The winner, Marietta Sarayia Turuga, a Gender and Development Studies graduate from the University of Nairobi, pledged to use her position to empower youths and women.

Ms Turuga, who contested last year but lost, will join other beauty queens from 46 counties in the final national pageant from where the overall Miss Tourism Kenya will be picked.

The event, held at Marsabit stadium, attracted contestants from the four sub counties of Moyale, North Horr, Laisamis, and Saku.

Only 12 twelve contestants made it to the final level.

The ladies showcased their personal style and creativity in casual wear, traditional regalia, and evening dressing.

Governor Ukur Yatani commended the tourism department for organizing the beauty event which he said not only boosted tourism but also created many job opportunities for locals.

Tourism chief officer Ms Gedhia Mamo was also meant to empower the girl child whose life's challenges seemed unsurmountable.

"We look forward to clinching more trophies besides the Miss Peace Kenya and other prestigious titles which we won in a row two years ago," she said.