Giving a Voice: Nairobi Slum Pageant Empowers the Unheard

Just a stone’s throw away from Kenya’s largest informal settlement, a young woman gracefully walks down a catwalk illuminated by spotlights. Her elegant white dress contrasts starkly with the fake blood smeared across it, accompanied by tape over her lips that reads: “Stop, silence, gender-based violence.”

The annual “Mr and Ms Kibera” pageant in Nairobi isn’t just about beauty; it serves as a crucial platform for expression and activism. Hundreds of attendees gather not merely to cheer on contestants, but to engage in conversations about pressing social issues.

Many participants see this August evening as an opportunity to advocate for youth-led movements and the freedom of speech, while also condemning violence against women. Activists have called the alarming rate of gender-based violence in East Africa a “femicide,” urging governmental action.

Amidst the ongoing waves of anti-government protests, which recently resulted in 65 fatalities in June and July, rights groups have voiced concerns over police brutality—a persistent issue in Kenya.

During the pageant, one contestant wore a tank top that boldly proclaimed: “Stop killing us.” The speeches and acts of protest presented during the event are as much a part of their success as their outward appearance.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the pageant has transformed the lives of numerous young individuals from the community—many of whom still struggle with access to clean water and electricity—offering them a pathway out of cycles of poverty, violence, and crime.

“Many people overlook the positive aspects of life in a slum,” remarked the founder, Ben Ooko. “However, there are hidden gems in our community waiting to be discovered.”

According to Ooko, the pageant empowers participants by teaching them public expression and self-confidence. “We aim to cultivate young people who can advocate for the challenges faced by others in their demographic,” he added.

Embracing ‘Resilience’

Twenty years back, Kepha Ngito was crowned the very first Mr Kibera. Thanks to a scholarship from the pageant, he transitioned from living on the streets to a career as a development consultant. Despite moving on from Kibera, he continues to return and assist local youth trapped in what he calls an “environment of indignity.”

Ngito believes the event allows participants to showcase their capabilities. “We want to redefine beauty to include resilience,” he stated.

Another former contestant, Pauline Akiniyi, who participated in 2016, has since established a women’s shelter in Kibera. As the evening progresses, winners are announced, with 21-year-old Rozelda Kim taking home the crown.

“It’s not just a beauty pageant… it’s a microphone for louder voices,” she declared. The nursing student intends to leverage her victory to uplift her community and challenge the negative stereotypes often associated with her neighborhood.

“Your social background doesn’t dictate your worth,” Kim asserted.