The government has rolled out plans to incentivize students’ talent and tap into the lucrative global creative economy.
Speaking at Kibabii University in Bungoma County during the official opening of the 98th Kenya Music Festival, Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) John Ololtuaa stated that the State is aligning educational programmes with national economic priorities to ensure gifted learners monetize their skills.
Further, Ololtuaa noted that the government’s focus is to turn co-curricular activities into viable economic pathways, mirroring the state’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which identifies the creative arts as a key pillar for job and wealth creation.
“The Ministry will continue strengthening co-curricular programmes so that talent identification, development, and commercialization of the talent are promoted. That is why those who sing, dance and run are given priority by the country. We will continue to align our programmes to ensure that no learner is left behind,” he said.
To support this shift, the PS noted that the government has initiated a sweeping transformative agenda across the education sector, creating an environment where both academic and co-curricular talents can thrive.
He highlighted ongoing reforms in music, games and sports, which are being bolstered by the rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the Digital Literacy Programme and the Kenya Education Management Information System.
“This transformation is also supported by reforms in the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), which has seen the employment of over 100,000 teachers. This ensures that our junior, senior and primary schools receive the attention and teaching they deserve, alongside the provision of textbooks and modern infrastructure that are transforming the sector,” Ololtuaa said.
This year’s festival is anchored on the theme, ‘Enhancing the Creative Economy through Artistic production for Sustainable Development’.
The PS further called upon private sector players and state agencies to form strategic partnerships to ease the financial burden of hosting the massive national event.
Acknowledging current sponsors, Ololtuaa noted that pooled resources could significantly elevate the festival’s standards and impact.
Addressing participants, Ololtuaa assured parents that the government has put in place comprehensive security measures to safeguard all learners and teachers attending the festival.
He also encouraged participants to embrace technological innovations in both music and education, noting that the government’s investment in digital literacy and the digital economy will create more opportunities for young people across the country.
This year’s National Music Festivals held under the theme, “Enhancing the Creative Economy Through Knowledge, Skills and Artistic Production for Sustainable Development.” The annual event has attracted participants from all 47 counties and the country’s eight educational regions, showcasing Kenya’s rich cultural heritage through music, dance and other artistic performances.
On health preparedness, the PS said the Ministry of Health has established adequate measures to protect participants throughout the event, particularly given Bungoma County’s strategic location along the Kenya-Uganda border.
“Kenya is a great country with many stakeholders who can partner to make the load a little lighter. We can each sponsor a small place. From next year, we will be involving other PSs, county governments, and corporate CEOs from outside the education sector to revolutionize the Kenya Music Festival. If we come together, we can do even better than this,” he stated.
Host Deputy Governor Jenipher Mbatiany assured participants and visitors of their safety and the county’s readiness to host the massive national event.
She noted that Bungoma has partnered with multi-agency teams, including healthcare providers and the National Police Service, to ensure seamless operations and top-tier security for all attendees.
“Music as a powerful tool for relieving stress, fostering emotional healing and promoting unity,” she said.
She reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants during the 14-day festival.
She also urged local residents to take advantage of the increased economic activity by engaging in business while joining visitors in celebrating the country’s rich artistic talent.
The festival, which began on 1st August, will run until 14th August, with learners competing in various categories as they showcase their talents while promoting national unity and contributing to the growth of Kenya’s creative economy.
Echoing the government’s push to commercialize the creative arts and support the festival, the private sector has thrown its financial weight behind the initiative.
Speaking on behalf of corporate partners including the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), KCB, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), and other stakeholders, Equity Bank Regional General Manager for Nyanza and Western region, Peter Akuoyo, revealed that the lender had financed the festival for the last three years to help actualize this vision.
Akuoyo, who delivered remarks on behalf of Equity Group CEO Dr. James Mwangi, noted that the Kenyan corporate views the creative industry as a critical driver of the future economy.
“We want to identify and support talent, particularly in this creative industry, because we believe that is where the future is. For us to build a resilient future, we must support these young talents at a tender age so that when they come of age, they will be able to change our society,” Akuoyo said.
