Schools across Kenya are being encouraged to treat music festivals not just as co-curricular activities, but as crucial platforms for nurturing creativity among learners and teachers.
These sentiments comes from organizers of the 97th edition of the Kenya Music Festival, who believe the event offers unmatched opportunities for cultural expression and imaginative growth in the education sector.
According to James Indumuli, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Kenya Music Festival, the initiative goes beyond showcasing talent as it aligns directly with the goals of the Competency-Based Education (CBE), which emphasizes skill development and learner agency. He notes that through music, dance, and performance, students not only explore their identities but also gain valuable competencies needed in the evolving academic and creative landscape.
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The Rift Valley region is set to witness a vibrant artistic display, with more than 90,000 learners from 14 counties expected to participate. Simon Masake, the regional chapter chairman, promised a packed schedule featuring inventive pieces reflecting Kenya’s cultural diversity.
These performances will serve as a springboard for students interested in the Arts and Sports Science pathway, one of the newly introduced tracks under CBC’s senior secondary structure.
Learners opting into this pathway will begin their specialization in Grade 10, studying disciplines such as theatre arts, music, fine arts, sports science, and dance. This move represents a national shift from rote learning to experiential education, where talent and personal expression are integral to the academic journey.
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Notably, the music festivals return just two months after the National Drama and Film Festival, which drew controversy following the staging of Butere Girls’ play, Echoes of War, a production that stirred public discourse and drew government attention for its perceived political undertones.
Organizers hope that educators will embrace these festivals as tools for inspiring students to think outside the classroom. By making creativity central to learning, schools have an opportunity to shape confident, expressive individuals who find power in their stories and pride in their culture.
By Masaki Enock
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