Miss Universe Kenya 2026 Jean Ojiro received a warm patriotic send-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday, November 5.
The 27-year-old media personality and fashion model departed for San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she will represent Kenya at the international pageant.
Fans, relatives, pageantry enthusiasts and event partners gathered at JKIA around noon to wish her success. Ojiro appeared visibly moved by the large turnout as supporters celebrated her journey to the global stage.
Kenyans Turn JKIA Into a Celebration
The airport terminal became a display of national pride as supporters arrived dressed in Kenya’s national colours. They carried small Kenyan flags, blew vuvuzelas and sang traditional songs. Others cheered as Ojiro made her way through the crowd.
The Miss Universe Kenya organisation had earlier encouraged Kenyans to attend the send-off. Ojiro was accompanied by her parents and members of the pageant organisation.
The model has also drawn attention for her advocacy against femicide and gender-based violence. Her participation gives her an opportunity to highlight issues she has championed while representing Kenya internationally.
Ojiro Heads to Puerto Rico With Six Suitcases
Ojiro travelled with six suitcases containing outfits for the preliminary competitions and her national costume. She expressed gratitude to everyone who attended the farewell event before proceeding through airport security. The Miss Universe Kenya organisation also shared a message celebrating her journey.
“She may be traveling alone, but she carries an entire country with her,” the organisers said.
They praised her confidence, resilience and sense of purpose throughout her pageant journey.
Kenya Awaits Miss Universe 2026 Finale
Ojiro will join contestants from more than 100 countries at the 75th Miss Universe competition. The grand finale is scheduled for November 24, 2026, at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan.
Her participation has also renewed memories of Mary Esther Were’s historic Top 6 finish at Miss Universe 2016. Kenyans will now follow Ojiro’s progress as she prepares for the international competition.
Her send-off at JKIA showed the support behind her journey and the excitement surrounding Kenya’s return to the global pageant stage.
