Millions Jean Ojiro Is Set to Pocket After Winning Miss Universe Kenya 2026

Jean Ojiro has been crowned Miss Universe Kenya 2026 after emerging as the winner of the national beauty pageant held on July 25, 2026.

Ojiro was crowned at the Emara Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi after competing against 15 finalists.

She will now represent Kenya at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico.

Mercy Awuonda Apiyo finished as the first runner-up in the competition.

Who Is Miss Universe Kenya 2026 Jean Ojiro?

Jean Ojiro is a Kenyan fashion model and digital creator who has built a career in the fashion and lifestyle industry.

Before winning the Miss Universe Kenya crown, she had already worked with fashion and lifestyle brands while growing her online presence as a digital creator.

Ojiro also runs a personal blog where she writes about fashion, lifestyle, travel, modelling and Kenya’s influencer industry.

Her interests reflect a career that goes beyond modelling as she continues to explore fashion, media and digital content creation.

Jean Ojiro has also been known in Kenyan entertainment circles for several years.

In 2020, she attracted media attention after marrying fashion stylist and media personality Adigo Digo in a wedding ceremony held aboard an airplane.

Her victory at Miss Universe Kenya now gives her the responsibility of representing Kenya on the global stage.

Who Is Mercy Awuonda Apiyo?

Mercy Awuonda Apiyo, who finished as the first runner-up, is a 22-year-old contestant from Kisumu East.

Her advocacy focuses on youth empowerment through education, confidence building, leadership development and resilience.

Awuonda has expressed her desire to use her platform to mentor young people and help them build confidence and leadership skills.

She also has experience in pageantry. Before competing in Miss Universe Kenya, she was named Miss MKU 2025/26 and was nominated to compete in the national competition.

Her journey in the competition also included recognition from the public. She was among the contestants who attracted significant support during the public voting stage.

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How the Miss Universe Kenya Competition Was Conducted

The 2026 competition attracted applicants from across the country.

The organisers first introduced a group of 30 contestants before narrowing the field to 15 finalists following a bootcamp.

The finalists then underwent preparation ahead of the grand finale. The process included activities designed to prepare them for the demands of the competition and the responsibilities that come with representing Kenya internationally.

The competition looked beyond physical appearance. Contestants were also expected to demonstrate confidence, leadership, communication skills and a clear sense of purpose.

The official Miss Universe Kenya platform describes the competition as a search for a woman who can wear the national crown and carry Kenya to the world stage.

The Journey to the Crown

The contestants competed for the opportunity to become Kenya’s representative at Miss Universe 2026.

The competition included a selection process that brought together contestants from different backgrounds and regions.

After the initial selection and bootcamp, the top 15 finalists continued their journey towards the grand finale.

The final stage gave the contestants an opportunity to showcase their confidence, presentation skills and ability to represent the country.

At the end of the competition, Jean Ojiro emerged as the winner, while Mercy Awuonda Apiyo finished as the first runner-up.

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What Ojiro Took Home

After her successful run in the competition, Jean Ojiro received a wide-ranging prize package as the new Miss Universe Kenya.

• The package includes a cash prize of $10,000, as well as a fully paid trip to Puerto Rico, where she will represent Kenya at the 75th Miss Universe pageant
• She also won a brand-new motor vehicle
• As part of the package, Ojiro will receive a bespoke five-month skincare transformation journey valued at Ksh500,000 from Glo 365

The programme is designed to help the reigning Miss Universe Kenya look and feel her best as she prepares for the international stage.

• The winner will also have access to a beautifully furnished residence throughout her reign, providing her with a comfortable home base during her Miss Universe Kenya journey
• She will further receive professional talent management and career development support locally and internationally.

The support is expected to help her unlock new opportunities and build a lasting platform beyond her reign.

• Other items in the winning package include a Ksh10,000 Little Cab trip voucher, a brand-new phone courtesy of Samsung and a six-month gym subscription.
• Ojiro will also enjoy a night for two at a hotel with a good view

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A Photo of Digital Screen Displaying the Miss Universe Kenya 2026 Event at the Emara Ole Sereni Hotel
PHOTO/Miss Universe Kenya/IG