Over 1000 contestants and 26 episodes later, Hon. Nereah Amondi Oketch, a nominated Member of County Assembly from Homa Bay County, was announced Kenya’s first female TV during Ms President Reality TV Show grand finale on 31st July 2019 at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
“I dedicate this to Kenyan voices. I carry in me their hopes and aspirations. Ms President nurtured and allowed me to carry those aspirations,” she said amidst tears of excitement.
She was trailed closely by Umulkheir Mohamed from Garissa County who was the first runners up, Hon. Irene Mayaka from Nyamira County, Betty Adera (Nairobi County) and Waruguru Kiai(Nyeri County), respectively.
A project funded by the European Union with additional support from the High Commission of Canada and Hivos East Africa, the show aimed at challenging stereotypes and growing support for women vying for leadership positions by changing the perceptions of women in leadership.
Through training and challenges, the top 5 candidates were able to continuously prove their capacity and ability to be leaders while competing for the prize of becoming Kenya’s first female president.
Media Focus on Africa’s Ms President has empowered women to become key players in preventing the spread of violent extremism and radicalization. It continues to strengthen the institutional and operational capacity of civil society actors and media practitioners to prevent violence against women and protect human rights.
Umulkheir Mohamed, Ms President Reality TVShow second runner up