Meru: Higher Education PS Dr. Beatrice Inyangala has reaffirmed the government's commitment to monetizing students' creative talents and showcasing their art on the global stage. Speaking at the ongoing 97th edition of the Kenya Music Festival (KMF) in Meru, PS Inyangala emphasized the importance of elevating the festival's reach beyond national borders, envisioning a future where Kenyan performers dominate international platforms with their unique blend of creativity and cultural heritage.
According to Kenya News Agency, PS Inyangala highlighted her vision for the festival as it approaches its 100th anniversary, hoping to leave a legacy of global recognition for Kenyan music. She stressed music's power as a storytelling tool that transcends language and cultural barriers. This year's KMF theme, "Enhancing the Creative Economy through Artistic Expression for Sustained Development," underscores the critical role of music and arts in shaping Kenya's national identity, fostering innovation, and driving socio-economic growth.
PS Inyangala reiterated the Ministry of Education's vision to transform the festival into a sustainable economic engine by monetizing the artistic talents displayed during the event. She revealed plans to engage the Talent Fund and other strategic partners to develop frameworks that will enable young artists to earn from their creativity, aiming to create income-generating opportunities for students, teachers, and schools while contributing to Kenya's broader socio-economic development.
The PS encouraged students and teachers to view music and arts education as more than just extracurricular activities, emphasizing their importance in fostering creativity, innovation, and national identity. Earlier, KMF Chair Prof. Frederick Ngala echoed Inyangala's vision of global recognition, emphasizing the festival's evolution into a globally significant event. He highlighted the celebration of diverse African, occidental, oriental, and Arabic cultures as a distinctive strength capable of elevating the festival to the international stage.
Recognizing the collaborative efforts that make such inclusivity possible, the PS also acknowledged the indispensable role of sponsors in growing the creative industry, calling their support a testament to the power of partnership and collaboration in achieving excellence. Equity Bank, the festival's main sponsor, supported students performing under the bank's KMF theme, "Securing Lives Transformed and Wealth Created through Life, Health, and Wealth Insurance." Schools such as Moi Forces Academy, Nairobi, and others will showcase their pieces before President William Ruto at the State Lodge in Sagana.
The festival, featuring over 150,000 participants from various educational institutions, is still underway, with events taking place across Meru School, Meru Teachers College, and Kaaga Girls High School. Winners' galas are scheduled for mid-August, culminating in a State Concert at Sagana State Lodge.