Miss Tourism Mombasa County Babylynn Mukila displayed resilience in the face of tough competition and received an award of honour for taking part in Miss Tourism Kenya 2016.
Though she did not emerge the winner, Ms Mukila, who is deaf, won the hearts of the judges and leaders who attended the event and was awarded the Miss Congeniality Award.
22-year-old Ms Wendy Omolo from Homa Bay County, who is a Mass Communication student, was crowned Miss Tourism Kenya during a gala night held at Kidundu Stadium, Vihiga County.
Ms Mukila was awarded for taking part in the competition despite her disability as she wowed the crowd.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Dan Kazungu who also lauded Ms Mukila for beating all odds by taking part in the competition, referred to her as a self inspired lady who went beyond her limitations to compete.
“She has displayed strength of character. It is an award of honour. This is culture, integration, tourism and cohesion,” said Mr Kazungu.
Participating counties were divided into nine regions that included the Coast, Nairobi, North Rift, South Rift, South Savanna, Northern Frontier, Western, Nyanza and Mt Kenya.