Kenya has produced a diverse array of talented models who have made their mark both locally and internationally. From walking major runways to launching successful fashion lines, these individuals are shaping the landscape of the fashion industry.
Halima Aden: An International Icon
With an HPI of 36.63, Halima Aden is considered the most famous Kenyan model. Her biography has been translated into 24 different languages on Wikipedia.
Halima Aden (Somali: Xaliima Aaden; born September 19, 1997) is an American fashion model. She is noted for being the first woman to wear a hijab in the Miss Minnesota USA 2016 pageant, where she was a semi-finalist. Following her participation in the pageant, Halima received national attention and was signed to IMG Models. In 2021 she was named as one of the BBC's 100 Women.
Halima Aden; The first hijab-wearing model speaks about leaving the fashion industry - BBC News
Debbie Oyugi: A Rising Star and Entrepreneur
Debbie Oyugi is a young successful Kenyan woman who has made her name on the runway as one of the most sought-after models in Kenya. Debbie is the founder and proprietor of Baby Shower Kenya, a kid’s fashion line.
The Beginning of a Modeling Career
Debbie: My passion for modelling began in high school. As I watched Kenya Fashion Week on television, it ignited a modeling interest in me.
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When I joined Kenyatta University, I walked the runway for Miss Kenyatta University and won while I was in my third year. That marked the start of greater things and I was discovered by renowned Kenyan designer John Kaveke, who then introduced me to a great stewardess -Dorothy Oliech of Mochez Models.
Later on, I took part in other pageants and conquered in several runways including Miss Progress Kenya 2010 and Miss United Nations Kenya 2012.
My modelling career has seen me strut major runways both locally and internationally, including in Italy, USA, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Mozambique.
Baby Shower Kenya: A Unique Fashion Line
Debbie: Baby Shower Kenya came about because of a need for something different. Every time I went for a baby shower, I found that choosing a gift was so hectic since everything I found was similar and if not worse, mass produced. This prompted me to start creating unique personalized pieces.
I began making kid’s clothes for friends to gift the expectant mom during the baby shower. But my idea did not just stop at baby showers. I also began making clothes for older kids as well, because I wanted to them to have unique authentic pieces.
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The idea of starting a kid’s fashion line was inspired by the fact that fashion and creativity come naturally to me. I love creating pieces, and knowing that I can create something that is functional and unique and be able to keep a child’s personality needs in place pushes me to achieve the best.
I particularly love it when I create a piece that is loved by both the child and his/her parent. When I have a happy client, I am happy. It gives me such great joy creating unique pieces.
Anita Gitonga: Little Miss Universe Kenya 2020
Anita Gitonga is the leading contestant and the reigning ‘Little Miss Universe Kenya 2020’. The contest has attracted other models from around the world.
She showed signs of modelling when she was six years old. While taking photos, she would pose like a model, she would pose with schoolmates and in front of a mirror. Later, he got the 'Little Prince of Africa 2018'.
She then enrolled for the ‘Little Miss and Mister Universe 2021’. “We would record videos about different issues and present them to the directors of the competition. Judges would then be invited via Zoom to give their verdict on our presentations.
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“It was the responsibility of parents or guardians and their children to see how best to execute the required issues. “I knew very little about fashion and modelling. But now with the need to support my daughter, I have learned a lot.
She concentrated on modelling and read extensively about international models. “I have always admired people like Lupita.
Besides the runway, she loves outdoor activities. "I hope to be involved in initiatives that help resolve human-wildlife conflict because I also love people.
Kenyan Models: A Statistical Overview
According to Pantheon, there are 313 models in their dataset, with 1 being born in Kenya. This makes Kenya the birthplace of the 56th most number of models behind Tanzania and Angola.
| Rank | Country | Number of Models |
|---|---|---|
| - | Tanzania | >1 |
| - | Angola | >1 |
| 56 | Kenya | 1 |
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