Meru: This year's 97th edition of the Kenya Music Festivals, hosted across Meru School, Kaaga Girls, and Meru Teachers College, is becoming a powerful platform for students to showcase their artistic talents. The edition has also been used to raise awareness about critical issues facing today's digital generation.
According to Kenya News Agency, one of the most outstanding performances during the event came from Central's PCEA Kagema School, from Nakuru County, winners in class 2130J, a class that was graciously sponsored by the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA). Their victory marks a fifth consecutive win for the school in this category, further cementing their place as consistent champions of creative advocacy.
With their piece, 'Cake ya Mchanga', the audience and the adjudicators were likely tackled on how children can protect themselves online, steer clear of digital traps that can corrupt their values, and instead, make the most of the internet to enhance their learning and academic growth. 'This verse is a voice from the young generation, telling the world that we are aware of the digital dangers, but we also know the power of the internet when used wisely,' said Mr. Joram Ojwang, the all-time teacher and trainer behind PCEA Kagema's success.
To Mr Ojwang, the verse highlights a balanced approach that urges parents and guardians not to shy away from letting children access technology but rather guide them in safe and productive usage. He opines that with support from teachers and institutions, students can thrive in a connected world without falling victim to harmful online behaviour.
'We thank the Communication Authority for sponsoring this category. Their support has given students a voice that allows them to speak out on what affects them directly,' Mr. Ojwang added. He further appealed to CA to extend their impact beyond the festivals, suggesting the creation of school-based ambassadors who can carry the message of digital safety deep into rural communities.
'As schools presenting in this class, we are ready to act as ambassadors of the Communication Authority. Let's reach the child in the furthest village with this life-changing information,' Ojwang emphasised. Elsewhere at the same festival, Bondo Teachers Training College (TTC) also stood tall with a brilliant performance of a choral verse titled 'Epuka Bandia'.
The 97th Kenya Music Festival is proving that creative art can do more than entertain - it can educate, inform, and inspire. With the backing of visionary partners like the Communication Authority of Kenya, young performers are turning stages into classrooms and verses into campaigns for safer digital spaces. As the festival continues, these student ambassadors are not just performing - they are leading a national conversation. A conversation that will hopefully echo long after the final curtain falls.