Rare delay in Kenya Music Festival disrupts schools, performers
Education
By
Mike Kihaki
| Jul 20, 2025
For the first time in years, the Kenya Music Festival will start later than planned, disrupting a tightly held tradition that has shaped the country's artistic calendar for generations.
The Ministry of Education has pushed the start of the 97th edition of the festival in Meru by two days, moving it from August 2, to August 4, in a shift that caught many schools and performers off guard.
The annual event, which showcases music, drama and spoken word, will now run until August 16, at Kaaga Girls High School, Meru School and Meru Teachers Training College. Songot Boys, Turkana County perform a Turkana sacred folk song during the Rift Valley Regional Kenya Music Festival on July 14, 2025. [ [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]
In a circular to education officials and institutions, the ministry apologised for the late notice and urged schools to adjust their plans.
"Please take note that the national event, initially set to begin on August 2, 2025, will now begin on August 4," read the circular.
Head of the Directorate of Field Coordination and Co-Curricular Activities Nelson Sifuna noted that performance cards issued to participants remain valid, with only dates adjusted by two days.
"The performance dates initially marked on the cards will be altered by two days, as well as the arrival and departure dates of learners," said Sifuna.
He explained that performance venues, halls and scheduled times remain unchanged despite the shift. Teams will now arrive a day before performing and leave a day after in line with revised plans.
Schools and parents have expressed concerns about the short notice, noting that learners have prepared for months around the initial schedule, with many schools arranging transport and accommodation in advance.
"We had already made arrangements on travel of our students and booked for buses. This will inconvenience us in some ways," stated a school director of a primary school who sought anonymity.
This year's festival carries the theme "Enhancing the Creative Economy Through Artistic Expression for Sustainable Development," aligning with Kenya's broader development goals.
The Gala Concert will be held on Wednesday, August 13, and Thursday, August 14, while the State Concert is set for Saturday, August 16.
Organisers have urged participants to adhere to the revised schedule and assured that all necessary support will be provided to ease the transition to the new dates.