The Miss Universe Kenya 2026 competition crowned Jean Ojiro as the country's newest beauty queen, but the grand finale at Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel in Nairobi also highlighted five women determined to use pageantry as a platform for advocacy.
From ending femicide to wildlife conservation and education, each finalist brought a cause close to her heart, proving that the competition extends far beyond the runway.
Newly crowned Miss Universe Kenya Jean Ojiro, a 27-year-old journalist and event host, said her reign will focus on combating femicide, which she described as one of Kenya's most pressing social challenges.
"So far this year, Kenya has recorded approximately 125 cases of femicide, a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect women and girls," she said.
"I am an advocate for the prevention of femicide. Across Kenya, the crisis of femicide has stolen the lives of far too many mothers, daughters and sisters. We can no longer remain silent."
Ojiro said she plans to work with non-governmental organisations, policymakers and communities to strengthen protection systems, support survivors and create awareness through social media.
"I also want to create social media awareness to educate, engage and inspire action. Through collaboration, education and awareness, I envision a Kenya where every woman and girl is safe, valued and empowered," she added.
First runner-up Mercy Awounda said pageantry is ultimately about creating lasting impact through advocacy.
Speaking to Radio Maisha before the finale, she revealed that her journey began after winning the Miss MKU title, which launched her modelling career.
She has since spent more than four years championing grassroots community initiatives.
"Modelling is more about advocacy and lasting impact," she said.
Her twin sister, Lucy Awuonda, who also competed in the pageant, said she has always preferred commercial fashion over pageantry but occasionally finds herself sharing the stage with her sister.
"I prefer commercial fashion and modelling to pageantry. Because my sister loves pageantry, we sometimes find ourselves in the same competitions, but I would rather leave that space for her because I believe in her," Lucy told TNX Africa during the finale.
Second runner-up Myra Mburu expressed gratitude after finishing among the top three, describing the experience as one she will treasure forever.
"To stand on that stage and finish as second runner-up Miss Universe Kenya 2026 is an honour I'll carry with me for a lifetime," she wrote on Instagram.
Third runner-up Easter Caren Ochieng, a teacher, dancer and model, said pageantry is a powerful tool for empowering women and promoting education.
"Miss Universe Kenya is about empowering each other, especially women. Pageantry isn't just about beauty. It's a platform to champion education, empower the next generation and prove that every setback is preparing you for something bigger," she said.
The former Miss Rongo Constituency 2022 added that community development remains one of the causes closest to her heart.
Rounding out the top five was wildlife conservationist, economist and founder of Mokeira for Wildlife, Mokeira Onchiri.
She used the competition to spotlight wildlife conservation, saying beauty pageants should be judged by the impact contestants create in society.
"Pageantry is a platform for impact rather than just a title," she said, highlighting her conservation initiative, Mokeira for Wildlife.
Reflecting on her journey, Onchiri shared: "I'm so grateful to have come this far. I made it to the Top Five of Miss Universe Kenya. Thank you, God."
While only one contestant walked away with the crown, the top five finalists left the stage united by a common mission, using their voices to champion issues ranging from women's safety and education to grassroots empowerment and environmental conservation.