The 98th Kenya National Music Festival is underway at Kibabii University in Bungoma County, drawing thousands of learners from all 47 counties. The two-week event, running until August 14, showcases talents in music, dance, spoken word, and cultural performances under the theme "Enhancing the Creative Economy through Skills, Knowledge and Artistic Production for Sustainable Development."
Participants are competing for a total prize pool of Sh2.5 million distributed across various categories.
Enhanced Safety Protocols
Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa emphasized the comprehensive safety measures implemented to protect everyone involved. These include Ebola screening at border points, with the Ministry of Health actively monitoring to prevent any health risks.
"Screening is thorough, especially for visitors arriving from countries with reported Ebola cases," Ololtuaa stated.
The Bungoma County government has coordinated with security agencies to ensure adequate security personnel are on standby throughout the festival. Teachers accompanying learners have been reminded to supervise closely during travel and the event.
Transport Safety Emphasized
School heads have been urged to verify that vehicles ferrying participants are roadworthy, insured, and comply with traffic regulations. Assigning experienced drivers familiar with the routes is a priority to mitigate risks amid rising road accidents nationwide.
Promoting Culture and Competency-Based Education
Beyond safety, the festival plays a key role in promoting cultural heritage, national unity, and holistic development among learners. Ololtuaa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum, which supports nurturing learners' creativity and innovation.
"The government is enabling learners to digitize and monetize their creative works, strengthening the creative economy," he added, commending all stakeholders for fostering talent and shaping future creators.
