Deborah Mungai
- 73 views
Deborah Mungai has become the first Kenyan-born winner of the Miss Africa Great Britain (GB) crown, achieving this honour in October 2023.
As she meets us in a Nairobi restaurant, Mungai proudly wears her diamond-studded crown, which her mother and manager, Ms. Lydia Mungai, describes as a powerful symbol of achievement and purpose. Initially entering the competition with the modest aim of gaining experience in the fashion and modelling industry, Mungai exceeded her own expectations by clinching the title on her first attempt, despite a £330 (approximately Sh54,000) entry fee.
“Winning was beyond my expectations,” she reflects, highlighting her surprise at her success. The Miss Africa GB pageant distinguishes itself from traditional beauty contests by not guaranteeing financial awards. Instead, prizes are contingent upon sponsor funding, and winners become goodwill ambassadors, utilizing their platforms for endorsements and collaborations. Mungai has successfully secured several sponsorship deals, acknowledging Miss Africa GB’s equitable approach toward such agreements, in contrast to other pageants often criticized for exploiting young models.
Among her rewards, Mungai has received a sponsorship prize valued at £1,400 (around Sh225,000). However, she emphasizes that the core mission of Miss Africa GB extends beyond financial incentives, focusing primarily on charitable initiatives. “Money will always come,” she states, stressing the long-term benefits of projects aimed at uplifting the less privileged.
Founded to provide a platform for young African women in the UK to showcase their beauty, culture, talent, and creativity, Miss Africa GB has enabled many participants to embark on successful careers in modelling, charity work, and international competitions such as Miss World, known for its theme of "beauty with a purpose." Originally from Kenya, Mungai moved to the UK at the age of 14 and emerged as a standout competitor, evaluated not only on beauty but also intellect, talent, culture, and personality.
In addition to her overall crown, she has garnered the Miss Proactive Award and the Miss Congeniality title, indicative of her leadership and supportive role among contestants. During her reign, Mungai has prioritized charitable endeavours, initiating projects like Mng’aro Mtaani which provides clothing to underserved populations in Nairobi. Furthermore, she is set to establish her foundation, Good Inspired Generation, in January 2024, aimed at assisting disadvantaged boys.
Her objective is to support at least 100 underprivileged youth through this initiative. Looking to the future, Mungai plans to extend her advocacy by participating in major international pageants following her Miss Africa GB reign, which concludes in October 2025. She is also in discussions with Kenya's Ministry of Tourism to promote the country’s tourism sector on a global platform.
Deborah Mungai's journey as Miss Africa GB reflects her commitment to charitable causes and her ambition to create lasting, positive change both in Kenya and on the international stage.