Kenya to Establish National Academy for Creative and Performing Arts

Kenya could soon have its first national academy for creative and performing arts after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba pledged government backing during the closing ceremony of this year’s Kenya National Music Festival in Meru.

Ogamba said the academy would give thousands of young people a chance to build careers from their talents. He described the festival as proof that Kenya is bursting with potential that must be nurtured.

“What we saw here today is nothing short of extraordinary. From the very youngest performers to university teams, the level of creativity was inspiring,” he told the packed audience at Meru School.

The Cabinet Secretary said a team will be formed immediately to design the program for the academy, adding that the institution will fit perfectly into the new education system where learners can pursue pathways in academics, sports or the arts.

The push for the academy came after Kenya Music Festival Chairperson Professor Fred Ngala urged the government to act quickly.

He said the school would provide opportunities for students to continue with artistic training after high school.

Ogamba also linked the event to the competency-based curriculum, pointing out that music and drama festivals are powerful tools for building confidence, creativity and problem-solving among students.

“This is exactly what CBC is meant to do to help children discover themselves and express their abilities,” he said.

Equity Bank, one of the sponsors of the festival, said it was committed to supporting the creative economy. In a speech read by Ambassador Mary Mugwanja, Equity Group CEO James Mwangi said investing in the arts was part of the bank’s mission to open opportunities for young people.

“This festival is a national treasure and we are proud to stand with the Ministry of Education in nurturing talent from the grassroots to the national stage,” he said.

The final day of the festival was a showcase of both talent and culture. PCEA Kagema won big in multiple categories, while Elegant Spur Preparatory impressed with Kiswahili verses.

Moi Forces Academy, Nairobi, clinched the Equity Bank category, and Kuja School for the Hearing Impaired wowed the crowd with a traditional African dance.

Kalkacha Junior Secondary triumphed in the Somali Borana Nubian dance, and Moi University Primary carried home the Public Service Commission trophy.