This archive report was first published on 1 August 2019.
On August 1, 2019, Nereah Oketch made history by becoming the first female president in Kenya after winning the 'Ms President' reality show on KTN TV.
The Member of County Assembly from Homa Bay County defeated four other finalists, including Anne Waruguru Kiai, Betty Adera, Irene Mayaka, and Umulkheir Mohammed, in the competition.
Ms. Oketch was declared the winner after a massive voting campaign, where viewers were asked to elect their preferred candidate through free SMS codes.
Ms. Oketch's victory was celebrated by European Commission team, Members of Parliament, and other invited guests who graced the grand finale episode of the show at the Catholic University of East Africa.
Ms. Oketch's win was a culmination of a six-month competition that attracted over 1000 contestants, who were narrowed down to 71, then 40, and finally five finalists.
The contestants were subjected to group assignments and individual presentations on issues beyond politics, including leadership, cultural diversity, involvement of women in violent extremism, labor rights, food security, technology, and health.
Ms. Oketch and the other finalists were given a rare opportunity to interview President Uhuru Kenyatta on 'being the president' and even accompanied him to his duty during the launch of Modern Bidco Industrial Park.
