Julie Njeru: Miss Universe Kenya

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 year’s 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 d’etre 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 year’s 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.