Kisii County 'first lady' Elizabeth Ongwae has asked area MCAs to set aside funds in the budget for youth empowerment projects.
Speaking yesterday at Kisii University during the grand finale of Miss Tourism Kisii County, Ongwae said many youths are living in abject poverty despite having phenomenal talent.
“Our youths have talent but lack financial support to nurture those talents. I call upon our county leaders to allocate money for talent search. It is inevitable that they (youths) need our support,” said Ongwae.
The beauty pageant finalists were selected from all nine sub-counties after a series of fierce competition at the local level.
Judy Kwamboka triumphed over other nine finalists to be crowned the new Miss Tourism Kisii County, walking home with Sh50,000 and an additional Sh10,000 from Governor James Ongwae.
First runners-up Vivian Omariba bagged Sh30,000 while Ever Achieng’ emerged third and took home Sh20,000.
The first lady further urged the county government to devolve the beauty contest so that many other girls can get a chance to show their beauty prowess.
“I urge the county government to decentralise this activity so that we can reach a substantial number of girls,” said Ongwae.