The 2023 Matunda Beauty Pageant gala night was recently held at the Matunda City Resort. At the colorful event, several participants competed in the Mr and Mrs Matunda City 2023.
The theme for this year’s event was to tap talents and promote tourism in the Western Kenya Circuit – a collection of tourist attractions such as parks, reserves, and cultural sites – all located within the Western Kenya.
Held on December 9, 2023, the event had a focus on the growth of local-based tourism especially as the country heads to the festive season.
It sought to tap in on the overlooked sector to boost economic growth.
“We held this pageant at this place to give the youth in this region a chance to showcase their talent in modeling while at the same time creating an avenue to boost local tourism in the western circuit,” said Sharon Kosgey, the boot camp facilitator and trainer.
Gateway to the Western Kenya Tourism Circuit
In addition, the business director of Matunda City Resort David Turanira said the venue is strategically located as a gateway to the Western Kenya Tourism Circuit which has a great untapped potential yet it is uniquely rich in Flora and Fauna.
“The Circuit Is Home to the Sitatunga National Park, the Mt Elgon national Park, The Nasolot Park among others which are home to unique animals that are a great attraction to tourists who visit this region,” said Turanira.
In the men category, Bamum Matai, a Sudanese national carried the day , while in the ladies category Judy Waruguru was named the winner.
“I am very happy that I won this category since I was not expecting to win. I will use this opportunity to engage in creating a change in the society through advocacy of matters pertaining tourism,” said Waruguru.
The Matunda Beauty Pageant which is held annually brings together stakeholders and participants from across the country. The auditions were held in several parts of the country to come up with the final list of contestants.
“We chose to give the event a national outlook so as to promote cultural diversity and also bring on board stakeholders from across the country with a goal of promoting the goal of boosting tourism in this region,” said Kosgey.
Matunda town is situated in Likuyani, Kakamega County. It has an average elevation of 1,841 metres above sea level. The Eldoret-Kitale Road runs north–south through the town.
