Kenyan-born model Immaculate Wachera is building a name for herself on the global pageantry stage after finishing as first runner-up at the Miss BRICS Beauty Contest 2026 in Russia.
Wachera, who represented Bolivia in the competition that drew contestants from more than 40 countries, emerged among the top finalists in a contest that celebrates culture, beauty and international exchange among BRICS nations and their partners.
“Kenyan-born beauty Immaculate Wachera shines on the global stage! Representing Bolivia, she finished 1st Runner-Up at the Miss BRICS Beauty Contest 2026 in Russia, competing against contestants from over 40 countries,” Russia Embassy in Kenya announced in a statement on Tuesday.
Her latest achievement adds to a growing list of appearances that have steadily pushed her into the international spotlight.
Wachera has roots in Kenya but currently lives in Austria, reflecting a multicultural background that she often says shapes both her identity and worldview.
Despite living abroad, she has remained vocal about her connection to home.
“Kenya has my heart and will always have my heart. When I’m home, I don’t have to think too much; the anxiety stops,” she said in a past interview.
Before her Miss BRICS appearance, she had already begun making inroads into global pageantry.
In 2025, she was featured as Kenya’s representative in the Miss Europe Continental competition, marking one of her first major international platforms.
She was also linked to the Miss Charm 2025 contest, appearing in early promotional material, signalling her growing presence across different pageant circuits.
Beyond the runway, Wachera presents a more personal side through her YouTube channel, where she documents her daily life and personal growth.
She says the platform is not just about visibility but reflection.
“My goal for my YouTube channel is to look back and see how much I have grown as a person… I want to inspire Kenyan girls to appreciate the little things in life,” she said in a past interview.
Her approach to beauty also sets her apart from traditional pageant narratives. Rather than focusing solely on physical appearance, she describes beauty as something deeper and more intuitive.
“Beauty is energy. I believe in energies, and I can often sense someone’s energy before I truly get to know them,” she said.
That philosophy appears to align with her broader ambitions as Wachera has often spoken about her desire to use her platform to empower women and girls, particularly those facing systemic challenges.
“My dream is to empower every little girl and woman in Kenya. The system can be really tough, especially for poor women, and I want to make a real difference in their lives,” she said in a past interview
Her runner-up finish at Miss BRICS now places her among a growing list of young Africans gaining recognition on international stages, even when representing countries beyond their origin.