Miss Koch 2009 event was held on 24th October 2009 celebrating nine years of mobilizing community action. The event was held at Korogocho Chief’s camp from 9.00am to 6.00pm. The annual event was organized a number of  youth groups in Korogocho- Miss Koch, Koch FM, Link the Hidden Treasure, Child Peace Africa and RYP. The Miss Koch community show has been operating in Korogocho since 2000. The annual event aims at addressing issues affecting the community and finding possible solutions. When the event started in 2000 the biggest issue was the girl child, and that is how the name Miss Koch came about - appreciating the girl child in the community. ‘Koch’ is the slang word of Korogocho.

The MCs of the event were Khadija Juma from Link the Hidden Treasure and a TV comedian star commonly known as Professor. The theme of the event was “Vijana Tudumishe Usalama na Amani Mtaani” – “Youth lets promote Security and Peace in our Community”. Korogocho has in the past witnessed violent crime, rape, muggings and robberies. The event was organized to act as a platform for the youth to address the issue of insecurity that has become rampant in Korogocho where many have been killed including one of the Miss Koch founders’ Dominic Mwangi.

Through the beauty contest, the community was mobilized, entertained and educated on the importance of security in the community and also made to understand the roles of every one in the community in ensuring a safe and secure Korogocho. Talent and culture among Korogocho Youth was celebrated through singing, rapping, dancing, comedy, beauty contest, and theatre.

During the event, the youth show cased their talents. The event was attended by the community members especially the youth, teenagers, women, children and opinion leaders. We also had guests like YIKE staff , Dandora Youth, Nairobi Aviation College Students, Mukuru kwa Njenga youth, Former Mayor of Nairobi Habib Omar Kongo, Roi Chiti from UN HABIATAT and Jackson Kago from Italian Cooperation. 

Article by Khadija Juma, Organizer of the event