This archive report was first published on 17 July 2019.
Kenya is on the cusp of electing its first female president, courtesy of the Ms President Reality TV show that has been airing on KTN Home every Wednesday from 8-9pm.
From 9pm tonight, 17th July, Kenyans will be able to cast their votes in favour of their preferred candidate through the free short messaging service (SMS) code 22840.
The votes will determine who will be crowned the 'President' during the show's grand finale on 31st July.
During tonight's show, viewers will also watch the contestants on their campaign trails as they tour various parts of Nairobi County to sell their manifestos to the public.
The contestants, including Waruguru wa Kiai, Betty Odera, Irene Mayaka, Nereah Amondi Oketch, and Umulkheir Mohammed, have been touring different places in a fleet of motor vehicles, meeting with viewers who will determine their fate from tonight.
Unlike in mainstream politics, the contestants have been focusing solely on their manifestos, displaying campaign placards and posters, and receiving heartily by fans at various areas including Ndonyo Market in Dagoretti, Kibra, and Transami.
As viewers anticipate the grand finale, contestants are bracing for the ultimate 'Presidential Debate' on 24th July, where they are expected to speak on matters of national policy, governance, and current affairs among other issues.
The show premiered on 30th January this year with an aim of empowering women and girls to be leaders in peacebuilding and preventing the spread of violent extremism and radicalisation.
According to Harrison Manga, Country Director of Media Focus on Africa, the executive producers of the show, the overall objective of the project is to build sustainable capacity in Kenya for effective peace-building, conflict management, and crisis preparedness.
