Schools across Kenya recently wrapped up the regional competitions of the Kenya Music Festival (KMF), with top performers earning cash prizes of up to Ksh 50,000. This year, creative performances that boldly rebranded insurance as a vital “vaccine” and a protective “ark” against life’s uncertainties took centre stage.
These innovative messages are perfectly aligned with the KMF’s 2025 theme, “Enhancing the Creative Economy through Artistic Expression for Sustainable Development.” They also resonated with the focus of Equity Bank, the festival’s main sponsor, which promoted “Securing Lives Transformed and Wealth Created through Life, Health, and Wealth Insurance.”
Educators at the festival emphasised the importance of early financial literacy, highlighting these creative platforms as ideal for instilling crucial life skills. Abel Mariaka, a teacher and composer from CGHU Primary School in Starehe, emphasised the importance of students starting to save early to prepare for their future, particularly in light of rising school fees due to inflation. Mariaka also noted a significant shift in the festival’s creative themes, which now encompass contemporary topics such as digital technology and finance. He views this as a positive development, suggesting that even artificial intelligence can be leveraged to “encourage creativity and innovation among the students.”
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John Njuguna, a trainer at Mirema School, echoed this sentiment, particularly regarding insurance education. He underscored its practical importance, stating that understanding insurance provides a foundation for future security. Njuguna explained that students who learn about insurance early in life can “rely on what you learned when you were young about the insurance” when facing future challenges like illness. He added that understanding the cost of education and how insurance can help secure it is a vital lesson for learners.
Schools showcased diverse and compelling narratives around insurance:
Kyeni Girls High School, performing at the Chuka regionals, powerfully declared that “Insurance is your vaccine.” Their piece argued that just as a vaccine shields against illness, insurance provides a crucial defense against financial distress, covering everything from funeral expenses to ensuring “quality health without you.”
Mabe Twinkling Stars, a primary school in Nairobi, used “The Ark” as their central metaphor for insurance. They explained that this ark serves as a haven, protecting individuals and their investments from life’s storms. Their performance highlighted the comprehensive nature of policies, covering life, health, property, and even work-related injuries, culminating in a strong call to action: “Come on, come on. Let’s be assured we are insured.”
Mtopanga Secondaryfrom Mombasa championed insurance as a steadfast shield. Performing at Kenyatta High School Mwatate in Taita Taveta County, their recitations consistently reinforced the idea of protection and peace of mind. They confidently declared, “We have removed worries. We are shielded with a shield.” This shield, they articulated, extends to various aspects of life, from ensuring financial stability in the face of illness (“It will treat cancer”) to covering funeral expenses and providing for retirement, ensuring families are not burdened during crises.
Mwenje Girlsalso detailed how insurance supports education, provides a comfortable retirement, ensures good health, and offers support during times of disability.
With a Ksh 25 million sponsorship from Equity Group, the partnership has proven highly successful at the regional levels, which concluded this July. The national competitions, set to take place in Meru this August, will see top performers like Precious Blood Secondary School, Alliance Girls High School, Statehouse Girls, Meru School, and St Martin Kaewa compete for final honors.
By Felix Wanderi
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