The Homa Bay County government will host the Simbi Nyaima fiesta in December as part of its efforts to position the county as a tourist destination.
This was announced by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Trade and Tourism, Hon. Polycarp Okombo, while congratulating the winners and participants of the Rangwe sub-county Miss Tourism auditions on Monday.
Mr. Okombo also encouraged the girls participating in the pageant to do their best and not be intimidated by anyone.
“I have had many stories in the past where judges were compromised and girls were pressured to look for favors to participate or win, but that this will never happen under my watch.” Okombo said.
During the three-day boot camp, the winners will be mentored and trained on areas of tourism and climate change. Only accredited officials will be allowed in for the boot camp.
Further, Mr. Okombo challenged the participants to do more research on matters of tourism within Homa Bay County, saying that the competition will also test their intelligence and leadership skills.
He added that most of the county events will be hosted in tourist attraction sites as a way of marketing the areas and also to allow the communities to benefit by running their businesses.
The Homa Bay County Miss Tourism auditions are currently underway in all eight sub-counties of the county. The auditions started on October 13, 2023 and are expected to end on October 23, 2023.
The Miss Tourism Homa Bay pageant is a beauty pageant that aims to promote tourism in the county. It is also a platform for young women to showcase their talent and intelligence.
While congratulating participants in Rangwe sub county, Hon. Okombo said this event will take Homa Bay girls to the world.
“I can assure you that with commitment, you'll soon represent us on the world stage as our top ambassador through this pageant.” Said Okombo, adding that Homa Bay county has many tourists attraction site that are yet to be exploited.
He underscored the importance of telling our stories to the world as this will open up the county for more investors adding that we must envision Homa Bay county as a wealthy, healthy ready to compete globally.
He cautioned that the competition will be stiff but the judges must observe fairness to all. “If any judge will be compromised that’s the day they will leave this event” our ladies must get fair judgment.
There will be cash awards for the winners and certificates for participation for all the participants.
Also present were the Director for Tourism Mr. Charles Ayieko- Chief officer Elias Orondo, Deputy Director Judith Nyambok among other county officials.
