Princess Aileen Akinyi @princessaileenakinyi
It is an honor to present to you the exclusive interview with the distinguished Princess Aileen Akinyi, our Central Guest for Africa on the 10th anniversary of Perumira magazine! Born in Kenya, Aileen has taken the world by storm as a teen model and left an indelible mark as Princess of Humanity.
Affectionately known as Little Miss Humanity-Kenya and Humanitarian Ambassador for Kisumu County, Aileen embodies kindness and compassion in action. Her tireless dedication to worthy causes has made her a symbol of hope and positive change in her community and beyond.
In this interview, we explore the exciting journeys and challenges Aileen has faced on her path to success as a model and activist. From humble beginnings in Kenya to international runways, Aileen shares her experiences with poignant honesty and inspiring insight.
In addition to her work in fashion, Aileen details how she combines her platform as a model with her role as an advocate for human rights and equality. Her title as Princess of Humanity is not just an honorary title, but a genuine commitment to working towards a more just and compassionate world for all.
Join us as we celebrate the legacy of this remarkable young woman, whose impact transcends borders and cultures. With Princess Aileen Akinyi as our Central Guest, Perumira’s 10th anniversary promises to be a tribute to the beauty, talent and goodness that resides in the heart of Africa and beyond. Don’t miss it!
1.- Princess Aileen, tell me about the city where you were born and raised.,What do you like about your hometown?
I was born eleven years ago in Nyalenda, a sprawling slum in Kisumu City within the Republic of Kenya. We stayed there until 2018 when we had to move to our rural home in Seme Sub-County (Kenya) as my parents faced financial challenges. I really love Kisumu City because it has numerous tourist attraction sites and events not to mention the several eateries with delicious fish of different species.
2.- What are your hobbies? What makes you laugh a lot or does it give you a lot of joy?
I love modelling, dancing, singing, watching cartoons and kid shows, playing musical instruments, doing charity work and doing house chores. Cartoons make me laugh a lot while modelling and charity work gives me a lot of joy especially when I see audiences and/or beneficiaries with smiles on their faces.
3.- International Model – Little Miss Humanity-Kenya and Kisumu County Miss Humanitarian Ambassador. When do you decide to take your first steps as a model and beauty pageants? What feeling do you have achieving your dreams, your passions and being a recognized influencer woman today?
I took my first step as a model in 2017 when I curtain-raised my parents’ wedding. The same year, I won in my first competition the same year and with time I ventured into charity work since crowns come with responsibility. Despite being a child celebrity in my country, I feel that I have not really achieved my dreams but am on a gradual journey of becoming the female influencer and female leader I want to be.
4.- What do you think is the distinctive, unique stamp of Princess Aileen in each activity carried out as a beauty queen and model?
I believe I carry the favour of God because in every activity I take part in as a model, I usually come out the best or among the best. This is also partly because of my personal commitment and support from parents who encourage me every step of the way.
I have so far won the following titles:
Little Miss Humanity-Kenya
African Child of the Year 2021 (Community Development)
Tiny Miss Kisumu
Tiny Princess Kenya
Little Miss Kitmikay 2020
Mini Miss World Kenya
Little Miss Environment-Kenya
Christian Women Entrepreneurs Award (CWENA) Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 held in South Africa
Apostle Hayford Alile Humanitarian Award 2022 during the Community and Human Rights Awards held in Nigeria.
Kisumu County Humanitarian Child of the year 2022
Mashinani Girl Child Ambassador
Pacesetter Award Winner 2023
5.- What’s is the main virtue that any woman must have to be an international model?
As a child model, I feel that the most important virtue one must have to be an international model is integrity. For example, it is good for one to be honest and have personal principles that guide their individual actions which they must also take responsibility for.
6.- Are you aware of being an influential woman for thousands of girls who want to be beauty queens? How important is it to you to be an idol for many girls and teenagers?
Yes, I am fully aware that I am an influential personality for thousands of girls and teenagers who want to be models and it is an honour given my young age. Titles come with responsibility and the knowledge that others look up to me has inspired me into charity work in which I get to interact with thousands of girls and teenagers from vulnerable families all over Kenya.
7.- What was your feeling the first time you modeled in front of a video camera? What did you feel the first time at a beauty pageant?
At first, I was scared of crows and video cameras so I was tensed during my first ever audition at the age of four years. Fortunately, I won my first beauty pageant so I was expected to give an acceptance speech. Since then, my confidence has grown and I have attended several media interviews whether for print, electronic or social media coverage.
8.- What do you think about the power of social media today?
In today’s digital age, social media has gone beyond a mere communication tool to become a powerful catalyst for change. Social media platforms have immense potential to amplify our voices, unite communities and drive tangible impact in the world. Now with every post, share and interaction, we have the opportunity to spark conversations, raise awareness and inspire action. When appropriately utilized, social media can mobilize networks, foster meaningful connections and effect positive change on a global scale. In addition, social media has become a platform for innovation, advocacy and transformation likely to charge towards a brighter, more connected future.
9.- How do you like to interact with your followers on social media? Whats your favorite social media?
My favourite social media platform namely Facebook where I go by the name Princess Aileen Akinyi. However, being a child and in line with my country’s laws and community standards, my social media accounts are managed by my mother whom I have to brief on whatever I feel should be posted especially about my modelling and charity work. Sometimes I go live on Facebook and respond to my fans’ queries, comments and concerns as much as I can including those via messenger.
10.- What would you advise young people who have talent but do not dare to take the next step? What would you advise parents who do not support their children’s talents?
Young people should pursue their latent gifts, talents and purpose. Biblically, young people play a significant role in God’s vineyard. They bring energy, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work of spreading God’s love and building His kingdom on earth. Besides, young people have unique gifts and talents that can be used to serve others and make a positive impact in their lives and communities. Besides, young people have the ability to inspire and lead their peers thus can be role models of faith, integrity and love. Parents on the other hand should recognize that children are curious by heart and they are always ready to explore new activities or learn new things. Parents should provide the best opportunities for their children to thrive and succeed by understanding their unique strengths and talents. They should endeavor to uncover natural abilities and passions so as to nurture them effectively. By identifying their children’s gifts early on, parents can tailor their children’s educational experiences and extracurricular activities to align with their interest, strengths and future career paths.
11.- What important lessons have you learned from the world of fashion and beauty pageants?
I have learnt that a crown comes with responsibilities and people will always look up to models in terms of what they wear, what they say and what they do. It is therefore important to have integrity as a model who by extension is a role models to others. In a beauty pageant, there are several people competing for the same crown. You audition and you are selected or dropped. If you make it as a finalist, you feel wonderful and go into the pageant trusting that you deserve to win so you feel like you are on top of the world. Everyday, there is something new to learn, new lessons and new ways to project oneself in a more confident manner. In addition, the mentorship brings great insights for participants to learn to be confident and self-assured. The thrill of walking down the ramp in beautiful designer clothes is every model’s dream, the poise and the synchronization make you appreciate yourself even more. Beauty pageants bring the best out of everyone, even those who have never competed before as the thought of doing your best among beautiful, talented and confident models brings with it a thrilling challenge that one never wants to step back from.
12.- Princess Aileen, being a beauty queen for you has been easy? Were there obstacles? How did you overcome obstacles?
Being a beauty queen as a child has not been easy. I come from a humble socio-economic background and it is my parents’ stories that inspired me into charity. My father was orphaned at a young age and had to depend on well-wishers for support thus a beneficiary of charity. Amidst the difficulties from walking barefoot and wearing worn out uniforms to school, my dad scaled the heights to graduate and become somebody in society. My mom also struggled as much during her childhood but grew to be the most generous person I know. When I turned 5 years old, I started noticing that while my parents could afford to put some food on the table, fellow children who were neighbours often went without meals. Sometimes I played with them amidst the biting hunger but trust me the feeling was never comfortable at all. Many a times I would share the little I had with them and that’s how my parents noticed I was a charitable person. Personally, at one point, I had to change schools when we moved back to the village from town as my family faced financial difficulties. That’s the point I came to understand what children in the villages were going through.
Despite the obstacles like having to balance between school, talent and charity as well as my parents having to outsource for funds for upcoming events, I’ve learnt to make the best out of every opportunity I get. From 2017, I started winning titles in modelling competitions so it was very easy choosing what I wanted to do to give back to the society. I chose charity where I could reach out to the vulnerable members of society particularly women and girls. This led to the formation of Destiny Helpers Charity Organization four years ago to support my vision. Initially we raised funds to do household visits and supply foodstuffs to needy families, street families and children homes. But with time, we expanded to engage in paid up adverts for companies, long term projects like mobilizing funds for and linking needy children to educational support, healthcare and economic empowerment support.
13.- Have you thought about being an actress? Do you like the entertainment industry?
Yes, I have thought of being an actress in future. Infact, I have acted in a play before courtesy of Kisumu Multitalents, an organization helping children to identify and nurture their talents. I have also done poems and given speeches in various events in my home country. I also like the entertainment industry and I believe dreams are valid as I am greatly inspired by the story of Lupita Nyong’o with whom we share a home county.
14.- Princess Aileen, what is your motivation and what do you feel grateful for every day?
My motivation and greatest pillars have been my parents who encouraged me nurture my talent. They made me understand that sharing is caring and we don’t give because we have but because we understand how it feels to lack. And that’s how I started imagining how great the world would be if each one of us would share the little they have with the needy person next door. Everyday, I feel grateful for the gift of life and the opportunity to continue my service to humanity through modelling.
15.- Princess Aileen, Do you like to travel? What countries do you know? What other countries would you like to know and which places do you recommend to visit from your country?
Yes, I like to travel although most of my travels have been within my country, Kenya. I have also been to Uganda. However, I would like to know and one day visit USA, Spain, France, China, Greece and Brazil.
16.- You and me (Jaime William) are going to play ping pong, I will tell you one word and you will answer with another word that comes to your mind.
– Travel, Passport
– Dance, Ballerina
– Sing, Talent
– Europe, Africa
– America, Opportunities
– Sport, Athletics
– Money, Currency
– Parents, Support
– Dreams, Valid
17.- Princess Aileen, your last words or final tips
The various awards I have received as a model have taught me one great lesson, that you don’t have to be old, rich and influential for you to touch a life or have a positive impact in society. As a young person looking into the future, I share not because I have but because I also understand it is Godly to be charitable. Just like those humble stories before me, I know my dreams are valid. The awards already mentioned have been humbling not only because some of them have been international awards but also because because I have been the youngest winner in some of them. I feel humbled and honoured that I am a child celebrity model and my little efforts to uplift living standards in my community/country are not in vain. How I pray that my modelling career and/or projects become international and more sustainable in future.
Princess Aileen Akinyi
Interview conducted by Jaime William Mostacero Baca with – Princess Aileen Akinyi – Kenya
English language
Stella Tunde Contact: Email – WhatsApp
Interview authorized in writing by WhatsApp- Email: Stella Tunde – Princess Aileen Akinyi – Perumira – Jaime William
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