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.
Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS), John Ololtuaa, said the Ministry of Education would continue strengthening co-curricular programmes to ensure learners gifted in music, dance, sports and other creative fields can develop their abilities into sustainable careers.
Speaking at Kibabii University in Bungoma County on Monday during the official opening of the 98th Kenya Music Festival, the PS said the initiative was aligned with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which identifies the creative economy as an important driver of employment and wealth creation.
“The Ministry will continue to strengthen co-curricular programmes so that talent identification, development and commercialization is promoted,” he said.
He described the Kenya Music Festival as one of the country’s most successful educational programmes 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 said the Government was now keen to ensure exceptional performances do not end when the festival closes but can translate into opportunities in the creative economy.
The Ministry, he said, would work with relevant Government agencies and other stakeholders to advance digital transformation, talent development and commercialization of creative works produced by learners.
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 organisations 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.
By Chris Mahandara
