Kaitheri County Polytechnic emerged as the overall winner at the 2026 Kirinyaga Vocational Training Centres Music Festivals, which concluded on Friday with a vibrant display of talent and creativity. The institution dominated across multiple categories, securing first place ahead of Ndiriti Vocational Training Centre and Kiambatha Vocational Training Centre, which finished second and third, respectively.
The one‑day festival, staged at Kerugoya Catholic Church under the theme “Music and Skills for Sustainable Development,” brought together hundreds of students from 16 polytechnics. Performances ranged from choral verses and solo presentations to cultural dances, captivating audiences while also addressing pressing social issues such as illicit alcohol abuse and the protection of the girl child.
County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Cooperatives, Trade, Tourism, Marketing, Industrialization and Enterprises Development, Calbert Njeru, praised the initiative, noting the county government’s commitment to nurturing both skills and talent among the youth. “Her Excellency the Governor is very much committed to seeing that talent development and skills are appreciated. There is enough space for everyone who is doing their best. In this life, you can never go down if you are doing your best,” he said.
ALSO READ:
Palm Sunday: an undercurrent of solemnity and foreshadow of crucifixion
Njeru further highlighted the county’s empowerment fund, which has been set aside to support skilled youth. “The Governor has set an empowerment fund to ensure that those who acquire skills are supported and do not go back to the village,” he added, emphasizing the economic value of vocational training and creative arts.
Acting Chief Officer for Education, Rose Wanjiru Wachira, explained that the festival was designed to allow every trainee to showcase their unique talents beyond the classroom. “The main aim of this festival is to ensure that all our students from the 16 vocational training centers are allowed to showcase and express their talents,” she said. Wachira stressed that the initiative goes beyond technical training to nurture individual abilities, reaffirming the county’s commitment to supporting participants, including those selected to proceed to the national level.
Kaitheri Polytechnic Principal, Lawrence Mugo, underscored the importance of the platform in exposing trainees to wider opportunities. “We have 16 polytechnics represented here, showcasing talent under the theme of music and skills for sustainable development. I want to thank our Governor for making it possible for trainees to have this opportunity to showcase their skills in music,” he said. Mugo noted that such forums broaden students’ horizons and help them excel beyond vocational training
The highlight of the festival was Kaitheri Polytechnic’s stellar performance, scoring 93 percent in the African choral verse, which focused on raising awareness on the dangers of illicit alcohol. They also scored 89 percent in both solo verse categories and 86 percent in the folk dance, themed on celebrating Kikuyu culture.
Victoria Musembi, a student from Kaitheri Polytechnic and winner in the choral verse category, expressed her excitement and reflected on the journey.
“Today I’m proud and I can’t take this opportunity for granted. It hasn’t been easy; it has been a long journey exploiting our talents,” she said.
She termed the festival transformative and encouraged fellow youth to embrace their talents.
ALSO READ:
Parents urged to tighten supervision as schools close for April holidays
The strong performance by Kirinyaga Polytechnics continues to reflect their growing excellence at higher levels. During last year’s National Music Festivals, Kaitheri Polytechnic excelled by securing first position in Kikuyu Folksong, Kikuyu Folk Dance and Sacred Folksong, while also finishing second in the Twaijivunia Kenya, a special composition and third in Oral African Language (Irebeta).
Kabingoti Polytechnic also performed impressively at the national stage, clinching second position in Sacred Folksong, further cementing Kirinyaga’s reputation as a hub for both talent and technical training.
By Jane Mugambi
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
