Miss Universe Kenya
Formation | 2002 |
---|---|
Type | Beauty pageant |
Headquarters | Nairobi |
Location | |
Membership | Miss Universe |
Official language | English |
CEO | Hon Ababu-Terrah Egh |
Website | missuniversekenya |
Miss Universe Kenya (abbreviated as MUKE) is a beauty pageant and organization that selects Kenya's official representative for Miss Universe—one of the Big Four international beauty pageants.
History[edit]
The Miss Universe Kenya pageant was first held in 2002 by Beauties of Africa Inc. This organization took over the Miss Universe license in Kenya from the Miss Kenya organization. However, their tenure was short-lived, lasting only until 2005. In 2014, Maria Sarungi Tsehai expanded her license ownership to include Kenya, alongside Tanzania and Ethiopia. Despite her initial involvement, she decided to step down as the director in 2022.
In early 2024, Hon Ababu-Terrah Egh, representing the Ababu Namwamba Foundation (ANF), entered into a commitment with the Miss Universe Organization. This marked a significant development for Kenya, as it signaled the country's return to the prestigious Miss Universe pageant that year. The renewed participation underscored Kenya's dedication to showcasing its beauty and talent on the international stage.
Directorships[edit]
- Miss Kenya under Ministry of Tourism (1987)
- Beauties of Africa Inc. Andy Abulime (2002)
- Maria Sarungi Tsehai (2014)[1]
- Ababu Namwamba Foundation (ANF). Hon Ababu-Terrah Egh (2024)
Titleholders[edit]
- Color key
- : Declared as Winner
- : Ended as runner-up
- : Ended as one of the finalists or semi-finalists
- : Ended as Special awards winner
Year | County | Miss Universe Kenya | Placement at Miss Universe | Special awards | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hon Ababu-Terrah Egh directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Universe from 2024 | |||||
2024 | TBA | ||||
Maria Sarungi Tsehai directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Universe between 2014―2021 | |||||
Did not compete between 2022—2023: Economic changes in many countries during the COVID-19 pandemic phase are affecting businesses in the beauty industry. Kenya is one of the countries that was weak in bidding for Miss Universe licenses. | |||||
2021 | Nairobi | Roshanara Ebrahim[2] | Unplaced | Supposed to participate at Miss World 2016 after winning Miss World Kenya 2016, but she failed to succeed her participation at the pageant. | |
Due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, no representative in 2020 | |||||
2019 | Nairobi | Stacy Michuki[3] | Unplaced | ||
2018 | Nairobi | Wabaiya Kariuki[4] | Unplaced | ||
Did not compete in 2017 | |||||
2016 | Nairobi | Mary Esther Were[5] | Top 6 | ||
Did not compete in 2015 | |||||
2014 | Busia | Gaylyne Ayugi [6] | Unplaced | ||
Andy Abulime directorship — a franchise holder to Miss Universe between 2003―2005 | |||||
Did not compete between 2006—2013 | |||||
2005 | Nairobi | Rachel Mbuki Marete[7] | Unplaced | ||
2004 | Nairobi | Anita Maina | Unplaced | ||
Did not compete in 2003 | |||||
2002 | Laikipia | Julie Njeru | Unplaced | ||
Miss Kenya Organization — a franchise holder to Miss Universe between 1987―1995 | |||||
Did not compete between 1996—2001 | |||||
1995 | Taita-Taveta | Josephine Wanjiku Mbatia | Unplaced | ||
Did not compete between 1993—1994 | |||||
1992 | Nairobi | Aisha Wawira Lieberg | Unplaced | ||
Did not compete between 1988—1991 | |||||
1987 | Mombasa | Susan Waruguru Kahumba | Unplaced |
Wins by county[edit]
County | Titles | Years |
---|---|---|
Nairobi | 7 | 1992, 2004, 2005, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 |
Mombasa | 1 | 1987 |
Taita-Taveta | 1995 | |
Laikipia | 2003 | |
Busia | 2014 |
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "Henessy for Miss Universe Kenya 2016". instagram.com. Archived from the original on 2021-12-24. Retrieved 16 September 2016.
- ^ Wambugu, Peris (November 2, 2021). "Roshanara Ebrahim crowned Miss Universe Kenya". The Standard. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
- ^ "Stacy Michuki crowned Miss Universe Kenya 2019". The Times of India. 21 October 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
- ^ "Wabaiya Kariuki crowned Miss Universe Kenya 2018". The Times of India. November 6, 2018. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
- ^ Radvan, Sophie (January 30, 2017). "Miss Kenya: 5 Things To Know On Miss Universe 2016 Pageant Mary Esther Were". Hollywood Life. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ^ Musami, Evelyne (January 15, 2015). "Lupita look-alike dazzles at Miss Universe bikini show". Nairobi News. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
- ^ Muendo, Stevens (5 January 2021). "Rachel Marete: Ex Miss Universe speaks on new wedding, breast implants and politician dad". The Standard. Retrieved 10 January 2023.