Loreen Chepkorir Maiyo has been branded the Nandi County Tourism Ambassador following her win in the Little Miss Kenya 2021 competition, held at Kenya National Theater.
The 11-year-old, who aspires to be a journalist, will serve in marketing and promoting Nandi cultural heritage and attraction sites, making the County a tourist destination.
Among the tourist attraction sites are Nandi Rock Escarpment, Koitalel Samoei Museum, Chepkit water fall among others.
Loreen, the last born in a family of four emerged the victorious after trouncing forty other contestants. She said her eloquence, bravery and love for culture enabled her to sail through.
“I am proud of my success, the competition was tough but I managed. I thank God and my family for believing in me and supporting my dream,” said Loreen who schools at Kapsabet Primary School
Speaking during the event, County Chief Officer (CEO) for Tourism, Culture and Social Welfare, Beatrice Chemurgor, said the County prides in Loreen’s achievement for it will sell Nandi County as a tourist destination.
“Branding her as the Ambassador of Tourism is a positive thing in marketing our county’s tourism and cultural heritage,” said Miss Chemurgor
She further urged parents not to focus too much on academia instead they should nurture, develop and promote talents among their children.
Nandi County Director for Tourism Culture and Social Welfare, Mr Isaac Sargoi, said this is a great way of breaking the cultural gap between the aged and the young.
Mr Sargoi said the county welcomes such private initiatives since those are the plans that the County aspires to achieve.
“As a County we would love to partner with the Little Mr and Miss Tourism events to help build a platform where young talents are natured,” said Mr Sargoi.
He also added that the County is working to have preliminary competition hence investing in young talents.
Loreen’s mother, Mrs Ebby Boen Maiyo was overwhelmed when her daughter won the Little Mr and Miss Tourism 2021. She urged parents to help their children to exploit their talents like she did.
“I came to know of the competition through a Facebook advert and I enrolled my daughter since she had a passion for modelling ever since she was three years old,” said Maiyo.
She also stated that she went an extra mile of taking her daughter for professional training just before the competition.
By Jepkoech Jackline
