Former beauty queen Grace Wanene has declared her bid for the Laikipia Woman Representative seat ahead of the 2027 General Election, marking her transition from pageantry and advocacy into elective politics.
Wanene, a former Miss Tourism titleholder, has built her public profile around grassroots work focused on women and girls, particularly in the areas of menstrual health, gender equality and economic empowerment. Over the years, she has been actively involved in community initiatives across Laikipia, working closely with vulnerable groups and young people.
Her advocacy efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2026, she received a Trailblazers Award in recognition of her contribution to reproductive health awareness and community empowerment, further cementing her reputation as a rising voice in social development.
Speaking during recent engagements in the county, Wanene said her decision to vie for the seat was informed by her direct interaction with residents and a desire to push for tangible change at the national level. She has pledged to focus on improving access to healthcare, creating opportunities for youth, and supporting women-led businesses if elected.
Wanene will be seeking to unseat incumbent Woman Representative Jane Kagiri in what is expected to be a closely contested race. Observers say her background as an activist and her appeal among young voters could influence the dynamics of the contest as campaigns begin to take shape.
Her campaign message, “Mwanamke Imara, Jamii Bora,” underscores her belief that empowering women is central to building stronger communities, a message she hopes will resonate with voters across Laikipia as the race gains momentum.
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