MISS UNIVERSE KENYA 2002 JULIE NJERU - MISS UNIVERSE KENYA 2002
It is said that the success of an event is factored by the amount of publicity it gets from the media and the support of the public in general.
The just concluded first ever Miss Universe Kenya pageant was certainly a roaring success - all media houses were there and the event was
packed with more than 2000 people admiring our beauties.The Miss Universe beauty pageant is one of the most prestigious charity projects
recognised the world over.Last years international event was exciting, memorable and historic: the occasion marked 50 years of the
Miss Universe heritage.
The event, held in Puerto Rico, was broadcast live to millions of viewers in more than 125 countries.Miss Universe pageant came
to Kenya courtesy of True Blaq Entertainment Ltd who have the exclusive rights to organise the national pageant. The Raison detre
for holding Miss Universe Kenya, just like its international counterpart, is the fight against the spread of HIV/Aids. A subsidiary reason
is the empowerment of women in Kenya and Africa as a whole.When the franchise holders started auditioning, their intention was to
select a delegate who stands the chance of becoming Miss Universe. They also wanted to hold a memorable event and prove that Kenya
is as good as any other venue for holding the pageant on African soil. The judges, who were selected for their experience and
professionalism in fashion and hair design, modelling and media exposure, looked for a person of fine moral character, good health,
intelligence, beauty, physical fitness, poise and charisma.
The winner had to be someone who exemplified and represented the outstanding young modern women capable of gracefully
carrying out the success and pressures of an international title holder.Out of the 130 contestants at the auditions, 40 fitted the bill.
However, only 25 of them qualified for the finals. The number was down to 21 for the catwalk that evening. At the end of the night,
only one could take the crown home. It was to Julie Njeru that the judges handed the crown.She had joined the band of hopefuls
in the rehearsals, which included dance lessons by Ollovar dance school, etiquette, public speaking and modelling by Pinky Ghelani
and Nelly Mshimba of the Model House.The 19-year-old Julie had nursed the idea of being the first ever Miss Universe Kenya for some time.
Somehow she knew the judges would go for her. Not one to be contended with the Miss Nairobi title she won during last years
Miss Kenya finals, Julie saw nothing to stop her from winning. The hustle and bustle of winning the crown did not interfere with
her "A" level studies at Braeburn School. She says: "I used to go for the rehearsals after school then I later did assignments and
revised."Mother Rose Njeru was sure that her daughter would bring the crown home. She believes that Julie is also capable of bringing
the coveted Miss Universe title to Kenya in May."My mother encouraged me immensely. She told me again and again that if at all
I was crowned Miss Nairobi, then Miss Universe was a big possibility too," says Julie, the daughter of insurance company executive
Riitho Njeru. Like the mother, Mr Njeru has all along been a major source of encouragement to Julie. Besides the title, Julie won a car,
an unlimited supply of mineral water, access to a fitness centre, a mobile phone and hygiene products.Trainer and choreographer
Benjamin Kaniaru, who has coached most other winners of beauty pageants, is preparing Julie for the finals of the international pageant.
The organizers of the event are Kevin Ombajo and Dickson Ngunjiri the National Directors of Miss Universe Kenya.
The Girl: Very shy but very intelligent. She speaks softly and subtly. Her cute face, sweet smile and confident gait makes her stand
out in a crowd. She is definitely going places.
Achievements: Miss Universe (Kenya) 2002. Miss Nairobi (Kenya) 2001.
Age: 19. Marital status: Single. Children: None.
Hobbies: Swimming, squash and travelling. Statistics: 34-24-36. Likes: Shopping, Indian food and chicken. Dislikes: Gossips, idlers.
Best assignment: The first Kenyan to take part in the Miss Universe Pageant.
Occupation: Student at Braeburn High School. Aspirations: Complete my A levels and pursue a degree in architecture or
engineering. Julie, who is currently in Puerto Rico for the Miss Universe finals, hopes to bring the title home.
Thoughts on the modelling industry: The industry is growing but it needs enormous support from the various stakeholders.
What matters to you most and why: Education. It is the foundation of life. I have been lucky because my parents have
invested in me and have ensured that I have the best education.
If you were given a chance to live again what would you change about yourself and what would you like to retain: Nothing.
I am happy with the way my life has turned out. At least so far, so good.
MISS UNIVERSE 2004 ANITA MAINA MISS UNIVERSE KENYA 2004
Anita speaks out Miss Universe Kenya, Anita Maina, has embarked on an image-building campaign. Keen to prove wrong
reports that she cannot express herself eloquently in English, Anita has increased her public appearances and stepped up her
participation in charity events. And wherever she goes, she makes sure she speaks in flawless English. In particular,
Anita spends a lot of time with Aids orphans at Shangilia Mtoto wa Afrika Childrens Home. She visits the home regularly,
plays with the children and generally keeps them company. And she also teaches them English! The beauty queen, who went
to St Patricks Primary School, in Makadara, Nairobi, before joining Huruma Girls in Nairobi and then Kiangunyi Girls High School,
in Muranga District for her O level studies, says beauty queens should not be judged by their fluency in certain languages,
but by their contributions in making the world a better place for the underpriviledged.
Anita says she will not relent in her quest to reach out to disadvantaged children. A month ago, Anita joined beauty queens
Bonnie Achieng and Lupita Nyongo to organise the Mr and Miss Exodus contest, a beauty pageant for former street children.
She has also made appearances all the major beauty pageants that have been organised this year. "I want to prove to
everybody that I have all that it takes to be Miss Universe Kenya," says Anita, taking issue with those who have questioned her
ability to fulfil the roles that come with the crown. Anita, 20, a former student of French at Alliance Francaise, was also named
Miss Photogenic when she was crowned in May this year.
Though the organisers failed to get her to Panama City for the 2003 , for the Miss Universe International beauty pageant due to
unavoidable circustances , Anita says she will do her best to perform her duties as the country's representative of Miss Universe.
Anita will represent Kenya at the Miss Universe International Beauty Pageant in June 1 2004 in Quito,Ecuador.
Anita Maina's Interview : -
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
My brother because every time I feel down he's there for me. He advises me. I look up to him because of what he has achieved
at such a young age.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you (aside from winning your title) and/or what is the
most interesting thing about you?
The most interesting thing that has happened to me is that I was able to convince my dad to return to my mom when they
were separated even though neither of them wanted a reconciliation. They did it, though, and were able to stay together
for another few years.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
My ambition is to become an accountant in the future. I plan to attend university to studying accounting and finance.
List any interesting or unsual jobs you may have had.
I work for an airline that is training me to do customer relations. In the past I hated complaints. Now, I have come
to enjoy working with people and helping them to see the positive side of their issues. I never thought
I would be in customer relations.
Describe your childhood home and living conditions. Were you raised with a large family with lots of brothers and sisters?
Because my parents married and separated from each other several times, I spent my childhood moving around
from city to village to town. My mom moved us to Nairobi several times, so I have the closest affinity for it as a hometown.
I have two brothers and a sister.
What one word describes you best?
Blessed.
The organizers of the event are Kevin Ombajo and Dickson Ngunjiri the National Directors of Miss Universe Kenya.
Log on to www.missuniverse.com to read about your favourite African contestants from:-
