From shy girl to beauty queen: Faith Khayanga's inspiring journey to become Miss Face of Nakuru 2025

Growing up, Faith Khayanga never imagined herself walking a catwalk on the runway. Although she had a deep admiration for fashion - largely influenced by her stylish eldest sister - she didn't believe she could ever belong in that world.

"I used to love watching my sister dress up. She was always so fashionable and I fell in love with fashion because of her," says Faith. "But even though she encouraged me, I never attended any catwalk events. I was just too shy."

Her shyness continued into high school. Although she joined the music and drama club, she eventually dropped out and avoided performing in school talent shows for fear of being judged. Public attention simply terrified her.

Everything began to change when she entered Egerton University. In her second semester, she took a bold step and joined the university's music club. Around the same time, a friend encouraged her to enter the Miss Culture Nakuru contest.

"I only joined because no one at the university really knew me and my friend convinced me to try," she explains. "I had no training in modelling, and I didn't win, but the experience lit a spark in me."

In 2022, Faith entered the Miss Red Cross pageant - and this time she won. Motivated by this success, she set her sights higher and entered Miss Egerton University. Although she didn't win, she was undeterred.

Two years later, Faith saw a last-minute call for Miss Face of Nakuru 2025. Despite lingering doubts and the sting of past defeat, she decided to take a chance.

"I wasn't sure if I had what it took," she admits. "But I'm glad I pushed through and did it, even if it was at the last minute."

Her courage paid off - Faith was crowned Miss Face of Nakuru 2025.

The road to the crown wasn't easy. Balancing pageant preparations with her full-time job in procurement proved challenging.

"My bosses were supportive, but I had to be very disciplined with my time," she says. "I couldn't afford to slack off at work."

During the semi-finals of the pageant, Faith faced a huge personal loss - her brother died. Despite her grief, she chose to stay in the competition, drawing strength from her pain.

Now wearing the Miss Face of Nakuru crown, Faith is focused on giving back. Her mission is to support vulnerable children - especially orphans and street children - and continue her humanitarian efforts across the county.

Her advice to aspiring beauty queens is simple: "Give it your all. If you fail after giving 100 per cent, you'll have no regrets. But if you hold back, you'll always be asking yourself, 'What if?"

And what's next? Faith smiles. "For now, I'm concentrating on my role. I'll let the future reveal itself.