Schools music festival returns after two-year break

 St Anne's Academy rehearsing Indian Contemporary Dance during the Kenya Music Festivals at Kabarak University on August 10, 2019.[Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The Kenya Music Festival is set to resume in schools after a two-year break occasioned by Covid-19.

In a circular to regional, county and sub-county secretaries, Education Principal Secretary Julius Jwan said the government had allowed resumption of co-curricular activities in learning institutions.

"The Ministry of Education in consultation with key stakeholders has decided that co-curricular activities resume fully in all basic learning institutions. In Term Two, 2022, primary and secondary school sports and music will be activated," said Jwan.

He said co-curriculum activities play a crucial role in the well-being of learners, and urged schools and teacher training colleges to prepare for them adequately.

The 94th national music festival will be held at Maseno University, Kisumu County, from September 16-23, with the State concert being held on September 24, at Kisumu State Lodge.

The PS said the Kenya Science and Engineering Fair and drama competitions will be held in term one of 2023.

Acting KMF Executive Secretary Janet Langat said music directors will use the 2021 syllabus to attract extra classes in line with this year’s theme, 'Kenya My Pride, My Future.'

"I wish to inform you that we shall be using the 2021 KMF syllabus and set pieces during this year’s festival; however, some additional set pieces will be communicated to you in the week," said Langat.

She said dates for all other preliminary festivals will be communicated by the respective education directors. "More information on the festival will follow in due course. Schools are therefore advised to start training their teams," she said.

The music festival is an annual event that identifies and nurtures artistic talent.