By Roy Hezron
Principal Secretary in the State Department for University Education and Research Ambassador Simon Nabukwesi has urged university students to be disciplined, hardworking, confident and creative for their success in drama just like in any other profession.
Speaking at Kenyatta University on June 25, 2022 when he officially closed the 2022 Central and Eastern Universities Regional Drama Festival at Kitui campus, the PS stated that students should respond by working hard and maintaining discipline to justify the value of money used for such festivals.
“It is upon you students to reciprocate by working hard and maintaining discipline to justify the value for money used as an investment geared towards the development of talents. Performing arts has a long and sustainable payback to you and the nation,” said Amb. Nabukwesi.
The PS thanked the students for showcasing talent through commitment, time consciousness, practice and discipline in promoting theater and ensuring that presentations were of high standards
“All of you made this exercise a success because you portrayed these values. University students are our mirror for the future; you are tomorrow’s drivers of the economy in various strategic positions,” said the PS.
He concluded by thanking the University’s Vice-Chancellors for availing resources for this worthy course.
The Chairman Central and Eastern Universities Regional Drama Festival Dr. Emmanuel Shikuku asked the Ministry of Education ,especially the State department for University Education and Research, to work closely with the Kenya National drama festival and other stakeholders to create networking forums and partnerships to ensure that Kenyan students benefit and earn from their talents.
Prof. Paul Okemo, who represented the Kenyatta University VC, appreciated the students for their creative performance noting that they all had useful display and lessons to learn for both the young and the old.
The festival, which took two days, was the first university drama festivals since the global disruption by Covid-19. The theme of the festival was “celebrating resilience in Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.”
It brought together seven (7) universities from the Central and Eastern regions of Kenya.
The students showcased talent in narrations, oral verses, modern/traditional dances and plays which reflected the current situation and happenings in the country.
