Jared Otieno Okongo, A Junior Secondary School teacher from Siaya County, has earned international recognition in Japan for his outstanding contribution to music and arts education. Mr. Okongo of Ulawe Apate Junior School has been invited to attend a professional workshop at Tamagawa University Graduate School, Tokyo, under the Teachers’ Organisation for Skills Sharing (TOSS) programme.
The invitation, signed by TOSS President Prof. Kazuki Tani, will see Mr. Okongo participate in a training programme titled Dancing Code, Music and Theatre from February 4 to 8, 2026. The workshop is designed to enhance pedagogical skills in music, drama, and theatre, with a strong emphasis on integrating ICT into classroom practice. The organisers will fully cater for his travel, accommodation, and related expenses.
Okongo attributed the honour to his long record as a trainer and participant at the National Students’ Music Festival, where he has consistently excelled. Over the past twelve years, he has guided teams to numerous victories, winning ten trophies in the last three years alone in categories such as Nyatiti, Orutu, and African Instrumentals Ensemble.
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His speciality, the nyatiti- an eight‑stringed traditional Luo instrument, has become a hallmark of his school’s performances at the national festival. Many of his students have gone on to join renowned Luo music groups, contributing to genres such as Ohangla and Benga.
Despite his deep involvement in music, Mr. Okongo maintains strong performance in his other teaching duties. “Of course those activities are taxing, but they have not made me any worse a teacher. The records are there. My areas are consistently among the top in my school,” he said.
Beyond music, Mr Okongo is also known for his philanthropic efforts, advocating for and networking with learners to ensure their success both academically and in life. He expressed optimism that the Japan workshop would sharpen his skills further and strengthen his school’s performance at future national festivals.
Mr Okongo hopes to hone his skills in musical training after attending this international workshop. He hopes it will greatly help him better his school team, and add a feather to his cap at the National Music event.
“Of course, I will be available to disseminate whatever knowledge I get there to my colleagues in the music fraternity,” he says. “The onus of facilitation of this will be on the organisers. If they give me the opportunity, I will be happy to oblige.”
By Opondo Okoth
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