- Murang’a School for the Hearing Impaired has been recognised for excellence at the 98th Kenya Music Festival.
- The institution emerged the Best Special Needs Education Senior School at the concluded national festival.
- KUCCPS CEO Dr Agnes Mercy Wahome joined First Lady Rachel Ruto in presenting the sponsored trophy.
Murang’a School for the Hearing Impaired has received further recognition after emerging the Best Special Needs Education Senior School at the 98th Kenya Music Festival held in Bungoma County.
Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) Chief Executive Officer Dr Agnes Mercy Wahome joined First Lady Rachel Ruto in presenting a KUCCPS-sponsored trophy to representatives of the school during the State Concert at Bungoma State Lodge on August 14, 2026. KUCCPS’s own communication confirms both the award and Wahome’s participation in the presentation.
The award placed Murang’a School for the Hearing Impaired among the institutions recognised for outstanding performances during this year’s national festival.
The achievement is particularly significant for Special Needs Education, highlighting the role of co-curricular activities in providing learners with diverse opportunities to demonstrate their talents and abilities.
KUCCPS backs inclusive opportunities
KUCCPS sponsored the trophy for the Best Special Needs Education Senior School as part of its support for the national music festival and efforts to promote opportunities for learners across the country.
The Placement Service has previously used the Kenya Music Festival as a platform for career guidance and awareness of education and career opportunities. During the 2025 festival, KUCCPS deployed officers to provide learners with career guidance and information on placement, courses, institutions and entry requirements.
Its continued involvement in the festival provides an opportunity to reach learners before they make critical decisions about their post-secondary education and career pathways.
For learners with special needs, such exposure is particularly important in ensuring they are included in conversations about tertiary education, training and career opportunities.
The recognition of Murang’a School for the Hearing Impaired therefore goes beyond the trophy. It demonstrates how school-based talent development can provide learners with platforms for participation, recognition and progression.
Festival concludes at Kibabii
The award followed the conclusion of the 98th Kenya Music Festival, whose national competitions were hosted at Kibabii University in Bungoma County from August 1. The festival culminated in the State Concert at Bungoma State Lodge on August 14, where President William Ruto was joined by First Lady Rachel Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and other officials.
The national festival attracted about 143,000 learners from across the country, making Bungoma a major centre of school music and cultural activity during the two-week competition.
Murang’a School for the Hearing Impaired was confirmed as the Best Special Needs Education Senior School. Other top institutions included Bunyore Girls High School, which emerged Best Senior School, while Mwikhomo Special School took the Best Special Needs Education Junior School award.
Kitui Teachers Training College topped the teacher training colleges category, Eldoret National Polytechnic emerged top among national polytechnics, while Kenyatta University won the university category.
Celebrating talent beyond academics
The festival provided learners from different education levels and backgrounds with an opportunity to showcase talent in music and other artistic performances.
For Murang’a School for the Hearing Impaired, emerging as the country’s top Special Needs Education Senior School represents recognition of the learners’ abilities and the work of teachers and trainers who prepared them for the national competition.
KUCCPS said it was proud to sponsor the award and champion opportunities for all learners across Kenya.
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The recognition also reinforces the importance of ensuring learners with special needs have opportunities to participate and excel in national co-curricular programmes alongside their peers.
By Joseph Mambili
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