Rabella Wendy Omollo from Homa Bay County is the new Miss Tourism Kenya 2016 winner crownned.
Miss Omollo emerged tops after beating over 44 competitors from several counties during the search for Miss Tourism Kenya finals held in Vihiga County.
Wendy who is in her mid twenties, could not hide her joy when her name was called out by the moderator, at a colourful event attended by various political leaders including Opposition chief Raila Odinga, Bomet County Governor Isaac Ruto and his Vihiga counterpart Moses Akaranga among others.
Top models and officials from modelling companies were also in attendance.
The new Miss Tourism Kenya said it was through commitment and passion for tourism and nature that made her embrace modelling, not knowing what was in store for her.
“If one would tell me I would be a Miss Tourism Kenya a few years ago, I would not believe it. I thank everyone who played a critical role in my modelling career and search for this new title which comes with lots of responsibilities. I never gave up when I told myself to go for it. I will work with everyone to ensure tourism thrives in the country. Once again thank you, I thank everyone who voted for me,’’ said Wendy on Saturday night amid cheers from the crowd present.
In the tightly contested race, Miss Tourism Uasin Gishu County, Laura Kezia was the first runner-up while Miss Tourism Bomet County Winnie Rop emerged the second runner-up.
Rabella encouraged Kenyans to be peaceful and gracious as a peaceful country encourages tourism and development.
“We live peacefully and this is one country that you can always come into and you will not feel you are different. We have a saying that goes: ‘Hakuna matata Kenya’. Everyone from any part of the world is welcomed to Kenya,” she said.
Rabella encouraged people around the world to come to Kenya and visit the attractions the country has to offer especially the diverse wildlife.
“Come live with us, come tour with us because Kenya is an ultimate tour destination. We have wildlife. And it is only in Kenya where you find the eighth wonder of the world – that is the wildebeest migration that is coming up next month, I would advise everyone in the gathering to continue marketing Kenya because nobody is going to make the country great if not us. Kama sio sisi, nani atafanya Kenya ikae vizuri? Karibuni Kenya If we don’t do it, who will make the country great? Welcome to Kenya.” Rabella said.
Sponsors of the four-day event worth Sh100 million included Vera Beauty College, KTN and the Kenya Tourism Board. – Hivisasa
