The vibrant culture of Kenya is on full display as Meru County plays host to the national finals of the 97th Kenya Music Festival. The two-week-long extravaganza, which kicked off on August 4, 2025, has brought together talented learners from across all 47 counties to showcase their artistic prowess in a rich tapestry of music, dance, and elocution.
Held under the theme “Enhancing the Creative Economy through Artistic Expression for Sustainable Development,” the festival has been a testament to the power of art in addressing societal issues and fostering national cohesion. The main venues for the prestigious event are Meru School, Kaaga Girls High School, and Meru Teachers Training College, with performances from universities taking place at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology’s Meru Campus.
Participants from various educational levels, including ECDE learners, primary and secondary schools, TVET institutions, teacher training colleges, and universities, have been captivating audiences with their diverse performances. So far, several institutions have already emerged as winners in their respective categories.
Among the standout performances, Eldoret National Polytechnic has claimed top honors in the post-secondary category with a captivating rendition of a Nandi folk song, earning them an impressive 89%. Machakos Primary School also impressed adjudicators, securing the top spot in the African Traditional Cultural Dance with their energetic Akamba Kilumi dance.
Special needs institutions have also been a highlight, with Equator Special School from Nyanza taking first place in its category and Shavihiga Special School from Kakamega securing second. These performances have been praised for their expressiveness and inclusivity.
The festival has not only been a platform for artistic competition but also a significant economic boost for Meru town. The influx of participants, teachers, and families has led to a surge in local business activity and promoted invaluable inter-county interaction.
The Ministry of Education has also been a key part of the conversation, with Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok announcing a proposal to create an international platform for top performers. This initiative aims to provide students with opportunities beyond the national festivals and the State Concert, which is scheduled to take place on August 16th at Sagana State Lodge. The Ministry is also exploring ways to monetize the performing arts to benefit talented students.
As the festival continues, audiences can look forward to more captivating performances, with the remaining days featuring pieces that explore civic themes such as taxation and patriotism. The event is set to conclude with a Gala Concert on August 13th and 14th, where the best of the best will be celebrated before the final State Concert.