The 64th edition of the annual Kenya National Drama and Film Festivals kicked off on Tuesday in Nyeri.
The event is taking place under the theme, Bold Storytellers: Digital Stages Driving Kenya’s Development Through Theatre and Film. This year’s event also marks the debut participation of Grade 10 learners under the Competency Based Curriculum.
Speaking during the opening ceremony at Kagumo Teachers’ Training College, the Director General in the Ministry of Education, Dr Elyas Abdi Jillaow described the festival as a cornerstone of Kenya’s Education system.
He underscored the role of the festival in imparting soft skills such as teamwork and problem solving which are required by the learners to navigate their future life.
He also highlighted the evolution of annual event from being a mere extracurricular activity to becoming a core competence for the learners under the new system of education adding that the event is a reflection of the government’s commitment to celebrating and nurturing talents.
“This festival represents far more than a celebration of artistic talent. It is a manifestation of our national commitment to nurturing creativity, fostering critical thinking, and cultivating the holistic development of our learners. It’s not just about the formal subjects of Maths, English, Kiswahili, but even this(drama) is very critical,” said Dr Jillaow.
“And it has been rightly noted that we introduced specific subjects that are targeting this specific area, especially at senior school. Now we have sports and recreation as a subject, examinable. We have music, it used to be there, even under the previous system. But now we are calling it music and dance at senior school and is examinable. So, physical education has been enhanced even further, “he added.
He further noted the role of the festival in addressing contemporary issues such as climate change, governance, social inclusion as well as emerging issues including digital citizenship and data protection and encouraged the participants to embrace technology in their productions.
“The theme for this year has caused the integration of digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and creative technology into the arts. Learners are empowered to tell stories that are socially conscious, culturally rooted, and aligned with national development priorities. And yes, even if your story involves time travel, or talking giraffes, or AI-powered robots, this festival celebrates bold imagination, “he noted.
On his part, the Kenya National Drama and Film Festivals committee chair, Professor Christopher Joseph Odhiambo said that the festival was not intending to restrict the wealth of creativity to be displayed by the performances or censor any institution from participating in the festivals.
He clarified that their mandate is not to engage in any side shows but to support learners develop their talents and skills.
“The National Drama festival committee, Ministry of Education and the government does not decide for any school the topic that they want to treat. This theme is quite broad, and each of our schools is allowed to cut a slice of that theme and treat it the way they want. So we give schools and their teachers the privilege to decide on the slice that they can handle,” said Prof Odhiambo.
“ Our job is not to prescribe. Our job is to describe. And we have described all the institutions from the kindergarten up to the university, “he clarified.
Drama and films by Kindergarten, Primary, Junior and Senior Secondary schools are currently being staged at Kagumo TTC while those by Technical Vocational Education
Training(TVETs) and colleges were being showcased at the Nyeri National Polytechnic.
Universities are showcasing their pieces at the Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
The performances will be staged between April 7-April 13 with galas scheduled for April 14 and April 15.
by Wangari Mwangi
