BUNGOMA, Kenya, Aug 3 – The government plans to commercialise student talent as part of efforts to grow Kenya’s creative economy and create jobs for young people.
Speaking during the opening of the 98th Kenya Music Festival at Kibabii University, Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa said the Ministry of Education is aligning co-curricular programmes with the country’s economic priorities to help learners turn their talents into sustainable careers.
He said the initiative supports the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which identifies the creative economy as a key sector for employment and wealth creation.
“The Ministry will continue to strengthen co-curricular programmes so that talent identification, development and commercialisation are promoted,” Ololtuaa said.
“Those who sing, dance and participate in sports will continue to receive support. We will align our programmes with national priorities to ensure that no learner is left behind.”
Ololtuaa said ongoing education reforms, including the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the Digital Literacy Programme and the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS), are helping create an environment where both academic and creative talents can thrive.
He added that the recruitment of more than 100,000 teachers by the Teachers Service Commission has strengthened learning in primary, junior and senior schools, alongside investments in textbooks and school infrastructure.
This year’s Kenya Music Festival is being held under the theme, “Enhancing the Creative Economy through Artistic Production for Sustainable Development.”
The PS also called for greater support from the private sector and county governments to help finance the annual festival, saying broader partnerships would improve its organisation and reach.
“Kenya has many stakeholders who can partner to make the load lighter. From next year, we will involve other Principal Secretaries, county governments and corporate leaders so that we can transform the Kenya Music Festival,” he said.
Private sector players said they would continue supporting the festival as part of efforts to nurture young talent.
Speaking on behalf of corporate sponsors, including the Central Bank of Kenya, KCB and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, Equity Bank Regional General Manager for Nyanza and Western Region Peter Akuoyo said the lender has supported the festival for the past three years because of the creative industry’s economic potential.
“We want to identify and support talent because we believe the creative industry is where the future lies. Supporting young people early gives them an opportunity to build successful careers and contribute to society,” Akuoyo said.
Bungoma Deputy Governor Janepher Mbatiany, who represented Governor Ken Lusaka, said the county had put in place security and emergency response measures in collaboration with the National Police Service and healthcare providers to ensure the festival runs smoothly.
The Kenya Music Festival brings together thousands of learners from schools, colleges and universities across the country to compete in music, dance, drama and other performing arts disciplines.
