Magdalene Takangiro, better known on the runway as Taka, is a Kenyan model whose journey is a true tale of grit, grace and ambition.
At just 23, Taka’s story is one of grit and grace.
Born and raised in Turkana, she began her early education under trees, far from the bright lights of the international fashion scene she now commands.
After completing high school in 2021, she joined Kabarak University to study Clinical Medicine and Surgery. It was during her time there that her modelling journey began to take shape.
Crowned Miss Kabarak University 2024, her elegance and determination quickly set her apart, propelling her from campus pageants to global catwalks.
Now in her final year and set to graduate in December 2025, Taka continues to prove that intelligence and artistry can thrive side by side.
Her commitment and professionalism soon caught the attention of ISIS Models Africa (founded by modelling mogul Joan Okorodudu) and WAVE Management, who recognised her potential to shine internationally.
Their partnership opened the door to her first major break Paris Fashion Week, where she made history by opening the show for Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), an extraordinary feat for a newcomer from Africa.
This triumph followed a challenging debut season in Milan earlier in 2024, an experience that strengthened her resolve to excel.
In an interview with Spice FM’s Charles Otieno, Taka reflected on her journey and the inspiration behind her success. She credited her family and upbringing in Turkana for shaping her determination.
“You can’t change someone if they don’t realise themselves. It’s personal — what do you want for yourself? Work towards it,” she said.
She spoke fondly of her mother, who, despite lacking formal education, ran a small business to support the family.
“My mum didn’t go to high school because my grandfather didn’t believe in educating girls,” she shared. “That pushed me to work harder. I wanted to change that story.”
Determined to break the cycle, Taka stayed focused on her studies even as many girls in her village faced early pregnancies and limited opportunities.
“In my village, I can count only two women who finished high school and joined university without having children. I had this brain and this talent I had to use them,” she said.
“For the others that didn’t finish, there’s nothing they could do but stay home with their mothers and aunties. Someone was at a high risk of getting pregnant at the time,” she said.
When she finally landed the opportunity to walk at Paris Fashion Week, she described the moment as surreal.
“It felt like a miracle. I had prayed for it for a long time. Everything came together after years of struggle,” she recalled.
After returning from Milan Fashion Week, she dedicated three months to gym training in preparation for Paris, where everything unfolded as she had hoped.
“At Paris Fashion Week, everything went exactly as I’d wished. I was beyond excited I could hardly believe it was happening.”
Looking ahead, Taka dreams of becoming one of the world’s top models, drawing inspiration from icons like Bella and Gigi Hadid.
Yet she remains committed to her medical career, planning to specialise further after graduation.
“I want to be like Bela, Gigi Hadid and many more. I want to add more years on my specialization so I’ll be the top female doctor in Turkana,” she said.
Taka is set to appear at Africa’s Next Super Model Showcase on 22 November 2025 at Broadwalk, where she will join other rising stars vying for the continent’s top modelling crown.