- President William Ruto has confirmed his attendance at the State Music Gala in Bungoma this Friday, according to Governor Ken Lusaka.
- The 98th Kenya National Music Festival has brought together an estimated 143,000 students at Kibabii University, boosting the hospitality, transport, retail and food sectors.
- The festival has placed Bungoma on the national cultural calendar under the theme “Enhancing the Creative Economy Through Artistic Expression for Sustainable Development.”
President William Ruto is set to grace the State Music Gala in Bungoma on Friday, August 14, 2026, as the county winds up the 98th Kenya National Music Festival hosted at Kibabii University.
Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka confirmed the President’s expected attendance to Education News on Wednesday.
The festival has brought together an estimated 143,000 students from across the country, turning Bungoma into a major centre for music and cultural activities.
The influx of students, teachers, adjudicators and other festival officials has injected fresh business into the county, with the hospitality, transport, retail and food sectors recording increased activity.
Hotels and accommodation facilities have benefited from the large number of visitors, while restaurants, traders and transport operators have also experienced increased demand during the festival.
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The event has also placed Bungoma on the national cultural calendar, with Kibabii University hosting thousands of participants showcasing their talents in various musical and cultural categories.
The State Music Gala is expected to bring together government officials, education leaders, performers and guests for the festival’s closing celebrations.
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The festival is being held under the theme, “Enhancing the Creative Economy Through Artistic Expression for Sustainable Development,” highlighting the role of creative arts in education, cultural preservation and economic development.
For Bungoma, the festival has provided a national platform for showcasing talent while generating economic activity through the large number of visitors hosted in the county.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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