The 63rd edition of the annual Kenya Schools and Colleges National Drama and Film festival was officially opened yesterday by the Principal for Basic Education, Prof Julius Bitok at Melvine Jones School in Nakuru County, and took off in high spirit as schools staged their plays with pride.
The stage was opened by the Alliance High School in a French play titled ‘Eugenie et Genevieve’ that depicts a father who struggles to make his two children pursue a career that he prefers rather than what they want to do in life.
Kaaga Girls, followed by a Swahili play produced by Eunice Maeke about parenting, as Moi Girls School, Nairobi presents a choral and solo verse. The choral verse, ‘Wambo’ encourages students to have a balance between co-curricular activities and academic work. It also encourages students to focus on their studies as much as they are talented in drama to have all- well-rounded outcome.
The solo verse, ‘Toilet walls’ express the mental trauma and insecurities that lead students to into bullying. It calls on studets to seek help from teachers when they are faced with insecurities.
Moi Girls School, Nairobi made it to; East African Drama and dance festivals three times and is trying to make the fourth if they will win in the nationals this year.
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According the Script writer and director of the school, Isaac Kimwiywi, the school has achieved the mileage consistently because of hard work, fresh approach and discipline, adding that the school principal has also being supportive of the craft.
Mkunumbi Secondary School, with their solo verse, ‘The Whispering pod’ written and directed by Kennedy keya and produced by the school principal Martha Kiminza, moved the audience. The verse talks about responsible use of phones in learning.
Fron the Nyanza region, Ramba Boys represented a choral verse, ‘Yitafunguka’ a verse that revolves around community that does not value education, despite learners getting sponsorship from a local bank. Finally they agree and come up with various inventions.
Kitengela international school, from Rift Valley region uplifted the audience spirit with their choral verse, ‘Sherehe’ that talks about the plight of persons living with disability.
During the opening of the event, Basic Education PS, Prof Bitok who was the chief guest, lauded the festival for its diversity and inclusivity since its inception. He also asked young people to make positive content on social media, instead of taking a lot of time feeding their mind with negativity.
“Don’t abuse science and technology; monetize your talents,” he said.
Also present were the national chairperson, Prof CJ Odhiambo and the director general of Education Dr Elyas Abdi.
The festival themed; Leveraging Technology to Nurture Talent while inculcating national values for social economic prosperity will run from April 7 to April 18, 2025
By Brian Ndigo
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