"I recall going as far as Kisumu and Nairobi from Busia, to get a runway where I could showcase my love for modelling," says Johnmark Oungo, CEO of The Fall Season, an events management company.

Having been in the modelling industry for more than five years now, Johnmark says the hurdles he had to jump over molded him — and are the driving force behind the upcoming Mr. & Miss Culture Busia, a first-of-its-kind event in the county.

“The grand finale, happening on the 14th of June at Farmview Hotel in Busia, is meant to provide not just a platform for models, but an opportunity to celebrate our culture on the runway,” he says of the event, which has already attracted participants from across the country.

Organized in partnership with the County Government of Busia, the event kicked off in April with online submissions and voting. During this phase, models mobilized support from their followers in a process designed to spotlight individuals with grit and endearing ability — qualities essential for a crown destined for community empowerment and leadership.

“The orange economy is vital for economic empowerment in our nation, where the unemployment rate among the youth is over 50%,” says the former Mr. Peace Kenya. “With the patronage of the Directorate of Culture and Social Affairs, The Fall Season is seeking to provide opportunities for the youth to showcase their talent, and to connect them with prospective employers and mentors in the dynamic fashion industry.”

As the first event of its kind in Busia County, Mr. & Miss Culture Busia is expected to attract thousands of locals, alongside fashion gurus, creatives, and civil servants from across the country.

You can get your tickets at TikoHUB