Kenya will host the opening leg of the Africa’s Next Super Model 2026 scouting tour on August 29, as organisers begin a month-long search for female models aged 18 to 26.
The scouting exercise starts in Nairobi and moves to other parts of Kenya through September. This year’s search will extend beyond major towns to include communities in Turkana and Maasai areas.
Government backing and participant pool#
Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism has endorsed the initiative. Kenya’s Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Julius Bitok, encouraged eligible Kenyan women to take part.
Organisers expect participants from:
- Angola
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Togo
- Benin
- Ghana
- Rwanda
- Chad
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- South Sudan
- Ethiopia
What scouts are looking for#
Candidates will be assessed on confidence, personality, runway presence and distinctive physical features. Organisers will also look for models who can compete on international fashion platforms.
Prize and leadership#
The overall winner will receive 647,000 Kenyan shillings (US$5,000) and a chance to pursue international modelling opportunities.
The competition is led by Nigerian model scout and entrepreneur Joan Okorodudu, founder and CEO of Isis Models International. Okorodudu has spent two decades scouting and developing African modelling talent and connecting models with opportunities in the international fashion industry.
Past discoveries and final#
Kenyan model Magdalene Takanyiro is among those previously discovered through the scouting programme. She later secured opportunities on international runways, including an appearance for French fashion house Yves Saint Laurent in Paris.
The 2026 edition will culminate in a final in Nairobi on November 21, where the winner will be selected. The event is expected to bring together fashion industry professionals and scouts from international fashion centres.
