Meru: Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Prof. Julius Bitok has officially flagged off the 97th Kenya National Music Festivals taking place in Meru county, terming the event as the epitome of Competency-Based Education (CBE). Addressing the media, Prof. Bitok expressed his enthusiasm for witnessing performances that highlight the creativity and talents among learners.
According to Kenya News Agency, Prof. Bitok emphasized that the event aimed to identify the best pieces for the state concert, noting the exceptional creativity evident among Junior secondary school learners under CBE. He remarked, "CBE has really taken root and we see our children trying to create pieces in a magnanimous way. As a Ministry, we are impressed by the kind of products coming out of it."
Prof. Bitok assured that the festivals were progressing smoothly, with planners doing an outstanding job, and reported no complaints or incidents. He encouraged learners to continue engaging in co-curricular activities, highlighting the three pathways under the CBE transition to senior school as reflected in the music performances.
The PS noted, "We have three pathways, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and Social Sciences, as well as Arts and Sports Science, and we can see that being displayed in the music being sung here." He also mentioned the government's focus on the creative industry, urging young people to capitalize on opportunities to monetize their talents.
The government is taking steps to mainstream learner-produced music to ensure monetization, allowing learners to benefit from their work. Prof. Bitok elaborated on plans to collaborate with eCitizen and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development to create a system that compensates schools and learners for their creative contributions.
Allan Weche, representing the School Equipment Production Unit (SEPU), one of the event sponsors, shared their commitment to nurturing young talents through the provision of STEM materials. Weche mentioned that they are introducing STEM concepts early to learners and supporting choral music composers in the integration of these concepts.
Weche emphasized their role in sponsoring the learners to understand the support available in the CBE curriculum. He stated, "The raw talent being exhibited here is all about the STEM; we are bringing up that concept, the background of the STEM ecosystem in the CBE curriculum, which is more about the production of STEM-oriented career citizens."
In conclusion, Weche expressed SEPU's commitment to helping learners appreciate STEM concepts early in their education, ensuring they capture these aspects for future success.