“Putting myself out there was the scariest yet most rewarding thing”, says James Ngunyi alias Jim Gatani a high-end fashion model based in Nakuru.

This he says during an interview with Mtaa Wangu after qualifying as a finalist for Mr. World Kenya.

Gatani says he saw the call up for the competition two months ago and decided to try his luck, which in turn paid off.

“After meeting the requirements needed for auditions including a three-minute video and my portfolio as a model, I was among 125 people shortlisted for the competition. About a week ago, we went for the physical auditions where the number of contestants was cut to 40,” he explains.

As a finalist, he now joins a team of 20 ladies and 20 men for a two-week boot camp where they will receive training to sharpen their skill in the pageantry world and equip them with what they need to win the national title and later on Mr. & Miss World.

The IT graduate from Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology (RVIST) notes that he was extremely elated when he received the news that he was among the finalists.

Jim Gatani is a model based in Nakuru.

Photo credit: COURTESY

Gatani says he is humbled to represent Nakuru in this competition, adding that things could only get better from here.

“I know it’s a tough course ahead, but I am determined to win the national title. We have crème de la crème models on board. My intent is to bring my A- game and be open to learn from those ahead and next to me,” says Gatani.

The model has previously graced high-end fashion events like Kitenge Fest and several runways including; Mr Campuses, Mr & Miss Love and Mr Face of Nakuru.

He was the 2022 Mr Man Hunt Kenya, after participating in the Mr & Miss Face of Nakuru 2022.

For Gatani, modelling is a gift that goes beyond the physical look and a smartly dressed man on the run way. He notes he is a man on God’s mission to influence men to know they can always be better.

“It is still unclear on the project I will take up. However, one thing I have set my eye on is to empower men in society and have them see that nothing is impossible. I have managed to get here because of God, my resilience and waking up every day believing in myself,” he notes.

As he concluded, he thanked his friends and family for believing in him and always supporting him.

Jim Gatani dominates runway, qualifies for Mr World Kenya pageantry

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