By Mildred Adhiambo and Bellah Ikida
CECM Beatrice Odongo addressing the gathering Photos by Adams Claine
The 2025 edition of Mr. & Miss KCA University was a grand success on Friday, attracting a vibrant crowd of students, university officials, and local dignitaries.
The event delivered a powerful message: fostering cultural heritage and creativity is key to shared prosperity in the Lake Hub and beyond.
The Guest of Honor, Beatrice Odongo, for the Department of Sports, Culture, Gender and Youth Affairs emphasized the importance of safeguarding and promoting the region’s cultural legacy.
“Tonight, we celebrate more than just beauty and charisma, we celebrate the soul of our people,” Ms. Odongo said, highlighting the diversity of Kisumu County and the wider Lake Basin.
The region’s traditions, including Ohangla and Benga music and Luo beadwork, were hailed as treasures to preserve and resources to reimagine.
The contestants were lauded for their poise, intellect, and role as cultural ambassadors. They were urged to protect and modernize heritage in ways that reflect the evolving identities of young Kenyans.
Kisumu’s rising reputation as a center for innovation, dubbed “Silicon Nyanza,” was highlighted as a sign of creative momentum in the region.
Ms Odongo also called on stakeholders to support this momentum through funding, mentorship, and policy frameworks that nurture talent in arts, fashion, and cultural tourism.
The Kisumu County Government remains committed to developing skills in the creative sector, backing youth-led enterprises, and ensuring no one is left behind.
As the new Mr. and Miss KCA University were crowned, the atmosphere was electric with pride and purpose. Their reign is expected to symbolize unity in diversity, pride in heritage, and a commitment to social impact.
The pageant marked the rise of a cultural movement where tradition fuels transformation and creativity leads the way to inclusive prosperity.
Also present during the event were Bovince Ochieng, Chief Officer for Education; Inviolete Adhiambo, Director of Tourism and Industry, the KCAU DVCs — Prof. Vincent Onywera, Prof. Damiannah Kieti, Prof. Joshua Bagaka’s and KCAU – Western Campus Director Dr Edward Owino
