The Government is seeking to turn talent nurtured in schools into viable economic opportunities by strengthening the identification, development and monetization of creative abilities among learners.
John Ololtuaa, the Principal Secretary (PS) of Basic Education, stated that the Ministry of Education would continue to enhance co-curricular programs to ensure that learners who are talented in music, dance, sports, and other creative fields can cultivate their skills into sustainable careers.
During the official opening of the 98th Kenya Music Festival at Kibabii University in Bungoma County on Monday, the PS stated that the initiative was in accordance with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which recognizes the creative economy as a significant contributor to wealth creation and employment.
He stated that the Ministry will persist in enhancing co-curricular programs to facilitate the identification, development, and commercialization of talent.
He described the Kenya Music Festival as one of the country’s most successful educational programs in nurturing talent, preserving culture, and promoting national cohesion.
The PS said the festival had grown beyond a competition to become a platform for promoting cultural identity, patriotism and unity while giving young people an opportunity to discover their talents, build confidence and appreciate Kenya’s cultural diversity.
He described it as the largest music, dance and spoken-word festival in Africa, saying it had demonstrated the potential of co-curricular activities to complement classroom learning.
Ololtuaa said the festivals enable learners to develop creativity, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, digital literacy, citizenship and self-efficacy, which are key competencies under competency-based education.
He stated that the Government is now eager to guarantee that exceptional performances do not conclude with the festival’s conclusion, but rather can be translated into opportunities in the creative economy.
He stated that the Ministry would collaborate with pertinent government agencies and other stakeholders to facilitate the commercialization of creative works created by students, as well as the development of talent.
The 98th edition of the festival is being held under the theme ‘Enhancing the Creative Economy through Skills, Knowledge and Artistic Production for Sustainable Development.’
Ololtuaa said the theme was timely given the growing contribution of the creative economy to employment and wealth creation globally and its alignment with the country’s economic priorities.
He called for greater involvement of the private sector, county governments and State agencies in supporting the festivals in developing talents among young Kenyans.
“Kenya is a great country and it has many stakeholders who can participate. It is possible to partner and make the road a little bit lighter,” he said.
The PS announced that the Ministry plans to involve more Principal Secretaries, chief executive officers, county governments and corporate organizations from outside the education sector in next year’s festival.
He said broader partnerships would help strengthen the festival and ease the financial burden of organizing the national event.
Ololtuaa also stressed the importance of integrity, accountability and professionalism in the education sector.
He urged learners to remain disciplined and organised and follow established festival rules and schedules, while challenging education officials to maintain fairness, integrity and professionalism in their work.
The PS commended teachers, trainers, choreographers, conductors, adjudicators, curriculum support officers, principals, Ministry and Teachers Service Commission officials, parents, guardians, county governments, security agencies and the media for contributing to the success of the festival.
He urged learners to use the event not only to compete but also to build confidence, discipline, friendships and an appreciation of Kenya’s cultural diversity.
The Government, he said, remained committed to holistic education that recognizes the abilities of every learner and prepares them for opportunities in the changing world of work.
Speaking on behalf of Equity Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. James Mwangi, the bank’s Regional General Manager for Nyanza and Western regions, Peter Akuoyo, said the bank which is the main sponsor of the festival considered the creative industry an important part of Kenya’s economic future.
The bank, he said has extended support worth Sh150 million over the last three years with this year’s festival receiving Sh25 million.
“We want to identify and support talent, particularly in the creative industry, because we believe that is where the future is,” Akuoyo said.
He added that sustained investment in young talent would help create a generation capable of using creativity and innovation to address social and economic challenges.
Bungoma Deputy Governor, Janepher Mbatiany, said the county had worked with multi-agency teams, including the National Police Service and healthcare providers, to ensure smooth operations.
She guaranteed the over 140,000 learners and teachers of their safety during the two weeks festival.
