Beyond the frame
Premium
Kibera’s Runway of Resilience
Mitchelle Shisiali, 18, an upcoming Kenyan model, wears her creation inspired by condoms.
The Kibera Beauty and Modeling Contest (Mr & Ms Kibera) is an annual pageant in Nairobi’s Kibera that blends fashion with activism, giving young people a stage to speak out on issues like gender-based violence and inequality.
Founded by Ben Ooko about 20 years ago, it redefines beauty by celebrating resilience, talent, and community pride. Beyond the runway, it has launched leaders and changemakers, with winners often using their platforms to uplift and transform Kibera. This year’s contest was held on August 12, 2025.
Photos | Reuters
Lynne Lovian, 19, and Queenta Anyango, 20, Kenyan models, peer through a window as other models walk the runway.
Kenyan models Faith Akinyi, Lynne Lovian and Kim Rozelda pose for a photograph backstage before presenting their creations.
A colourful audience cheers participants as they showcase their wares.
Queenfrey Fideliah, 21, a Kenyan model, walks the runway showcasing her leopard-skin outfit.
A Kenyan model poses for a photograph backstage.
Participants wearing colourful costumes walk the podium.
Melvis Awuor, 24, a Kenyan model, holds a replica gun as she walks the runway.
Hadija Abdul, 26, a Kenyan makeup artist, looks on as she applies makeup backstage.
