The Kenya Music Festival for Rangwe Sub-County officially kicked off on June 3, 2026, at Oneno Comprehensive School, bringing together young talents from schools across the sub-county.
The festival, themed “Enhancing the Creative Economy through Knowledge, Skills and Artistic Production for Sustainable Development,” attracted learners from various institutions, providing a platform for them to showcase their artistic and creative abilities.
The event was sponsored by Prof. Charles Ong’ondo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), reflecting his commitment to nurturing learners’ talents through co-curricular activities. Prof. Ong’ondo is an alumnus of Oneno Primary School.
Multipurpose hall boosts hosting capacity
According to the Rangwe Sub-County Director of Education, the completion of the Prof. Ong’ondo Multipurpose Hall at Oneno Comprehensive School significantly facilitated the hosting of the music festival.
The facility made it possible and convenient for Rangwe Sub-County to stage the event at Oneno, as few schools within the area possess similar infrastructure.
The hall has enhanced the school’s capacity to host major educational and cultural events, positioning it as a key centre for co-curricular activities in the region.
Oneno shines in performances
Several performances were staged on the opening day, but items sponsored by KICD and focused on values-based education attracted significant attention.
Oneno Comprehensive School emerged among the top performers with its Class 2203 Choral Verse titled “Somo Maber.”
The verse highlights how the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has positively shaped learners’ critical thinking, responsibility, creativity, and active citizenship.
The school also presented “Kurunzi,” a Kiswahili Choral Verse for Upper Primary learners, which will represent Rangwe Sub-County at the Homa Bay County Music Festival to be hosted at Mbita High School on dates yet to be announced.
The performance stood out as an artistic reflection of KICD’s commitment to nurturing talent while promoting values-based education.
Leaders commend support for the festival
Among the dignitaries present on the opening day was Rangwe KEPSHA Chairman Mr. Bele Dickens, who lauded Prof. Ong’ondo for supporting the festival.
“We would like to thank Professor Ong’ondo for his generosity and support in providing meals and certificates for this festival. Organizing such an event on our own would have been extremely difficult,” said Mr. Bele.
The Rangwe Sub-County Director of Education, Mr. Obed Guto, encouraged teachers to continue nurturing learners’ talents and abilities.
“Serve these children whom God has entrusted into your hands and help them realize their full potential,” he urged.
Strong prospects
As the first day of the festival came to a close, adjudicators observed that several outstanding items from Rangwe Sub-County have the potential to perform strongly at both the county and regional levels.
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The festival continues over the next two days with presentations from Junior and Senior Schools.
By Ombija T.J. Odhiambo
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