By Azael Masese
More public primary schools from Nairobi participated in this year’s National Music Festival compared to the past as it emerged the overall region and county.
The county was rewarded with the two trophies presented by Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed and Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang’ respectively.
During the event, Nairobi’s Harambee Primary School emerged the best in the public primary schools category as Starehe Boys Centre was declared the best public secondary school.
Nairobi Regional Coordinator of Education John Ololtua attributed the recognition to the immense financial support they received from the Government.
Financing these activities is different from the past where parents strained to finance them, the Government this year went out to meet the expected expenditure.
“This is encouraging as the country’s education system shifts to competence based curriculum and more support will be directed to this sector,” he promised.
Ololtua said most schools have realized the critical role extra-curricular activities play in shaping the learners’ future careers.
Harambee Primary School emerged top in four items it presented. It was also the first runners up in five items it presented at the national level.
Starehe Boys Centre received nineteen awards as it topped the charts in eleven items, emerged second in four items and was the third best in four items.
It is set to represent the country during the East Africa Music Festivals to be held in Gulu, Uganda.
Ololtua noted extra-curricular activities offers children opportunity to hone their talents. He appealed to well-wishers to partner with the county and assist it in providing costumes and kits that are required during these events.
In the competence based curriculum, the government will give learners the opportunity to identify and nurture their other talents early enough.
Ololtua was speaking when the event’s organising committee in the county, presented the trophies at his Nyayo office.
The Nairobi Region Music committee is chaired by Highway Secondary Principal Patrick Maritim with Rhodah Kwamboka, Parklands Arya Girls Principal, serving as its treasurer.
Present was also the regional Music Festival Secretary Eric Amuhaya, a teacher at Juja Road Primary School.
It was also the first time the Nairobi recorded the highest participants at the regional level, standing at about 22,000. From this, 1548 students and pupils represented Nairobi, the highest from any region.
The 2018 National Music Festival was held in Nyeri County and is done on a rotational basis.
