At just 11 years old, Ryan Odero is already walking a path many adults only dream about. A Grade 7 pupil at PCEA Jitegemea Schools, Ryan’s journey into modelling began not on a runway, but on YouTube and, as fate would have it, with a simple scroll.

‎In 2023, while watching videos online, Ryan came across young model Gavin, the son of fashion entrepreneur Amberay, modelling for the Kenyan brand Denri. Instantly inspired, Ryan turned to his mother and said he wanted to become a model too. What followed was a journey defined by courage, discipline and unwavering family support.

‎Soon after expressing his interest, Ryan’s mother approached the school head teacher to inquire about possible competitions. Fortunately, the school’s annual cultural day provided the perfect stage. Although he admits he felt scared during his first walk, Ryan pushed through the nerves. By the end of the event, he had been crowned Mr Jitegemea 2023, beating more than 50 contestants.

‎His debut was anything but ordinary. For the official wear category, he dressed as a businessman carrying a laptop. For sports, he creatively represented chess. In another round, he confidently walked in a suit with a walking stick. Despite the initial fear, the experience proved transformative. “It was really fun and I liked it,” Ryan says. “It has become my thing now.”

‎Beyond the glamour, however, lies discipline. Ryan balances school and modelling with remarkable maturity. From Monday to Wednesday, he focuses on academics. Then on Thursdays and Fridays, he practices runway skills especially now as he prepares for an international competition in Dubai this October.

‎His journey quickly expanded beyond school competitions. After winning at the county level in August 2025, Ryan advanced to the national stage. There, he emerged as First Prince of Kenya, a moment that solidified his growing confidence.

‎Earlier, he had also clinched the title of Little Mr Kenya Nakuru County 2025. With each victory, his belief in himself deepened. “My confidence has been growing. I feel like I can do anything,” he says.

From here, Ryan is now set to participate in the Little Mr/Ms United World competition in Dubai on October and Little Mr/ Ms International US in December.

‎Yet, behind every confident step is a strong support system. His mother, Grace Ndinda fondly known as “Mama Model” admits they were initially shocked when their shy son told them about his modelling dream.

‎Nevertheless, they chose to support him fully. “As parents, our job is to support our children,” she says. “We were there for him whether he won or lost.”

‎Together, the family research competitions, designs creative concepts and sources outfits. Ryan himself contributes ideas, often conceptualising themes

‎Still, his parents remain intentional about balance. “First, he is our child. Then he is a student. Then he is a model,” Ndinda emphasises. At home, he is simply Ryan a playful boy with friends and responsibilities like any other child.

‎The school, too, has embraced his journey. According to Head of Institution Ezekiel Victor Oeba, cultural competitions began several years ago. Ryan’s success, he says, has elevated the programme and inspired other parents to invest in nurturing talent.

PCEA Jitegemea School hea teacher Wesley Oeba poses for a photo

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

‎“It has shown us that what we started was not in vain,” Oeba notes. The school now exposes learners to fashion houses and professional trainers, reinforcing its commitment to holistic education in line with national goals.

‎While modelling has opened global doors, Ryan’s ambitions extend even further. In addition to dreaming of walking the runway in Paris one day, he also hopes to become a lawyer.

‎‎As he prepares for Dubai and potentially the United States thereafter Ryan’s journey reflects more than personal success. It highlights the power of early support, the importance of nurturing talent in schools, and the courage it takes for a young boy to step confidently into a space often dominated by girls.

From Nakuru to the world: 11-year-old Little Mr Kenya, Nakuru County to compete in Dubai, United States

Author Spotlight

Muthoni Wanjiku