By Enock Okong’o
It was pomp and color during the Kenyenya sub county Music Festival in Kisii County where the audience was treated to a variety of presentations that ranged from solo and choral verses to folksongs.
The competitions whose theme was ‘Peace for Harmonious Coexistence’ were held in different venues depending on accessibility and availability of enough assembly halls.
They included Nyamache, Nduru, Tendere, Isamwera and Kenyenya Secondary Schools.
In the Verses and Dances category, Riokindo Girls’ Secondary school scooped most of the trophies because they did not have any competitors.
The Folksongs category attracted many competitors but was dominated by Kenyenya Secondary School singers who frenzied the floor with their well coordinated song ‘Abanto Bakare’ meaning the ancient people.
They were followed by little known Nyabinyinyi secondary School who presented a Maasai folksong whose main message was good husbandry to livestock for sustainable food security.
The team of adjudicators led by Mr. Amos Ouma, the Adult Education Director in Ndhiwa Subcounty and Mr. Emmanuel Ngoche of Nyambaria National School termed the event a success.
The Chairman of Kenyenya sub county Music Festivals Committee Mr. Richard Ondati thanked Principals who braved the financial constraints to send their teams to the venues.
Addressing teachers and students at Kenyenya Secondary School, he underscored the importance of the Festival.
He asked teachers and learners not to regard Music Festivals as a mere event because it is the best vehicle for forming communities and societies that have the capacity for creating ingredients that are pivotal in identity formation.
Ondati who is the Principal of Mochorwa Secondary School encouraged Principals and Trainers to support learners’ participation in the annual co-curricular activities because they improve their aesthetic cultural values and appreciation.
The hosting Kenyenya Secondary School Principal Mr. Lawrence Makori thanked the participating teams for maintaining peace during the stay. He revealed that the qualifying teams will proceed to the county level on 30th August this year.
