The recent announcement of the top 30 contestants for Miss Universe Kenya 2024 has sparked both excitement and controversy in the East African nation. While the selected finalists represent a diverse group of talented and ambitious young women, the selection process has raised questions about accessibility and inclusivity in the digital age.

On July 4-5, 2024, the Miss Universe Kenya organization revealed the names of the 30 finalists who will compete for the coveted crown and the opportunity to represent Kenya at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico this November. The announcement came just days after the June 23 casting call, which utilized a novel virtual audition process through the Talanta Hela mobile application.

"The top 30 finalists competing for the crown of Miss Universe Kenya 2024 are heading to boot camp," the organization announced on their official Instagram account. "The winner will be crowned on August 16, hence representing Kenya on the 73rd Edition of the Miss Universe this November in Mexico."

The selection process whittled down an initial pool of 326 applicants to the final 30, showcasing the immense interest in the competition among Kenya's young women. However, the reliance on technology for the application and audition phases has sparked debate about the accessibility of such opportunities for aspiring contestants across the country.

To apply, potential contestants were required to download the Talanta Hela App from the Google Play Store and submit a two-minute video featuring a catwalk demonstration, a brief self-introduction, and an explanation of their passion or the cause they would champion as Miss Universe Kenya. Additional requirements included being at least 18 years old, holding Kenyan citizenship, and possessing a valid National ID or passport.

Contestants Selected For The Miss Universe Kenya 2024

While this digital approach streamlined the process for many, it also presented challenges for those without access to smartphones or reliable internet connections. One model in Nairobi, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern about the tech-heavy application process.

"It is a good platform any Kenyan model would like to be part of, but their application process and casting call is much more technology-driven than traditional methods," she said. "Can you imagine a beautiful queen who is in Maasai land, for example, or other rural areas across Kenya who wants to be part of this and she doesn't have a smartphone or enough internet to apply? What is she going to do?"

This sentiment was echoed by a modeling agency manager in Nairobi, who spoke to RCFS's MEDIA on condition of anonymity. "Kenya has so many models. Whenever you're ready, you can call for casting at any time. As you have seen in the Miss Universe 2024, the casting call was announced on June 23, 2024, and then the top winners were published on July 4-5 – that's probably 10 days," he explained.

Contestants Selected For The Miss Universe Kenya 2024

The manager went on to suggest that the tight timeline and reliance on technology may have skewed the selection process towards contestants who are already established in the modeling world or have a strong social media presence. "If you look at the list of winners, the majority of them are either already known models on social media or have been attending many beauty and pageant competitions," he noted.

Despite these concerns, the selected top 30 finalists represent a diverse group of young women from various backgrounds, each bringing their unique talents, passions, and aspirations to the competition. The finalists will now enter an intensive boot camp to prepare for the final coronation event on August 16, where one contestant will be crowned Miss Universe Kenya 2024.

The organizers of Miss Universe Kenya have emphasized the importance of passion, intelligence, and leadership in their selection process. Their casting call statement read, "This is a call for passion, intelligence, and leadership. We invite you through this first step of self-discovery and change to champion for the voice of women."

Contestants Selected For The Miss Universe Kenya 2024

However, critics argue that by relying heavily on digital platforms for the application process, the organization may have inadvertently excluded talented individuals who lack access to the necessary technology. This raises important questions about equity and representation in national beauty pageants and other high-profile competitions.

The modeling agency manager interviewed by RCFS's MEDIA suggested that future competitions should consider a hybrid approach. "Next time they should find more sponsors to reach other upcoming Kenyan women who are talented for this platform," he said, implying that a combination of digital and traditional casting methods could help ensure a more inclusive selection process.

As the selected contestants prepare for the upcoming boot camp and final competition, the debate surrounding the selection process continues. Many in Kenya's modeling and pageant community are calling for greater transparency in how the top 30 were chosen and what criteria were used to evaluate the video submissions.

The Miss Universe Kenya organization has yet to respond to requests for interviews about their selection process. This silence has only fueled further speculation and debate within the industry and among pageant enthusiasts.

Despite the controversy, there's no denying the excitement surrounding the upcoming Miss Universe Kenya 2024 competition. The selected finalists represent the hopes and dreams of many young Kenyan women, and their journey to the crown will be closely watched by fans across the nation.

Contestants Selected For The Miss Universe Kenya 2024

As the contestants enter boot camp and prepare for the August 16 coronation, they will undoubtedly face intense scrutiny and pressure. The winner will not only have the honor of representing Kenya on the global stage at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico but will also carry the responsibility of addressing the concerns raised during the selection process.

The controversy surrounding the Miss Universe Kenya 2024 selection process highlights broader issues of the digital divide and access to opportunities in the modern world. As technology continues to play an increasingly important role in various aspects of life, including job applications and competitions, it's crucial to consider how to ensure equal access and opportunities for all, regardless of their technological resources.

As Kenya looks forward to crowning its next Miss Universe representative, the questions raised by this year's selection process will likely inform discussions about inclusivity, accessibility, and fairness in future pageants and similar competitions. The challenge for organizers will be to balance the efficiency and reach of digital platforms with the need to provide opportunities for all talented individuals, regardless of their access to technology.

In the end, while the top 30 contestants for Miss Universe Kenya 2024 prepare to showcase their beauty, intelligence, and leadership, the conversation about how to make such opportunities truly accessible to all Kenyan women continues. It's a discussion that extends far beyond the world of beauty pageants, touching on fundamental issues of equity and representation in an increasingly digital world.

 THE RCFS's MEDIA