Susan Anyango - the reigning Miss Kenya - went for Miss World Beauty pageant, saw and nearly conquered Africa, writes STEVENS MUENDO
Pulse: Congrats for being one of the best Kenyan representatives in the Miss World Beauty Pageant. How does is feel to have achieved such a feat at just 19 years?
Susan: It gives me a good feeling to have finished among the top 20 out of 160 beauties from all over the world. Miss World finale is such a spectacular ceremony and I must be sincere, at first, I had to deal with culture shock. Gradually, I built my confidence and decided to go for it. Susan Anyango, the reigning Miss Kenya [Photo: File/Standard]
P: In a nutshell, what does being among the top 20 mean and what did it entail?
S: It simply means you are one of the top girls being considered in the list of finalists after going through the different hits.
I was among the top in the Top Model track and finished among the top five in the ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ track. I was up for the African title, which I unfortunately missed out narrowly.
P: Critics were shocked that Miss Zimbabwe beat you to it even after she trailed you during the hits…
S: The truth is, I scored better than her in most of the hits but I don’t want to dwell on that. I did Kenya proud and I am content.
The only disappointment I have is that our government does not support the event yet other government officials accompanied most of the representatives out there.
P: It is said that the Miss World finale comes with a lot of politics and racial discrimination where African models sort of get sidelined. What was your experience?
S: Many models representing African countries felt that way on the onset. You sort of feel lost in a group of many white beauties and tension gets high over the three weeks you are there.
However, many people thought I was from Jamaica due to my skin complexion. I had to keep on reminding them that I am Kenyan.
P: What was the mood like after Miss Venezuela was announced the winner on Sunday night?
S: The truth is, there is a way competitors know the winner before she is announced as much as it all gets emotional when the moment of truth arrives.
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I have a lot in common with Ivian (Lunasol Sarcos). Just like me, she lost her parents at a tender age. She has also been supporting cancer charity projects just as I do.
P: You had such a humble upbringing?
S: Yes. My mother passed away from cancer when I was six years old. My dad had passed on earlier due to liver related complications. As a result, I hardened up and matured at such a tender age.
I set my goals and purposed to reach my dreams.
P: You mean growing up as an orphan did not dampen your spirits as a young girl in school?
S: Of course I went into serious depression after my mum passed on but I had to outgrow the pain.
I moved into my brother’s house and later to one of my relative’s place after my elder brother started his own family.
My two brothers have been very supportive throughout.
P: Kindly, let me take you back. Your mother was Russian?
S: Yes! My late dad — who hailed from Nyanza — got a scholarship to study in Russia and met my mum who was schooling at the same university. They later became lecturers at Kenyatta University.
P: Is that why everyone has been saying you live in Githurai?
S: Most probably! After completing secondary education at Kerugoya Girls, I moved to my own place in South B and that is where I have been living since.
I used to work for an agency and managed to raise some capital through endorsements to sustain myself.
P: That reminds me that you were also crowned Miss Kerugoya after joining Form One. Did you always dream of becoming a big shot model?
S: I have always dreamed of being in a position of leadership where I can use my potential to impact on other peoples’ lives positively. That is the best thing Miss Word has done to me.
My humble upbringing is a good testimony that anyone can make it in life regardless of the huddles they face. During my reign I will use this to impact on the lives of disadvantaged young girls.
P: Word has is that you have taken a break from Methodist University where you have been pursuing media studies?
S: Yeah. I have taken a one-year break to concentrate on my Miss World projects. I want to embark on the anti-jiggers campaign awareness tour. I also have a cancer foundation.
I want to change the face of Miss World, Kenya and carry projects which that forever honour my reign.
P: There was a major buzz on your social status days after you were crowned Miss Kenya. Do you still insist that you are not breaking hearts?
S: I meant it straight that my focus is on my Miss Kenya title and the projects that surround it. After this, I will go back to school and probably start thinking of those social issues.
P: Describe yourself…
S: Humble and happy.