President William Ruto has directed the Ministry of Education to allocate Ksh5 million to every school and institution that took part in this year’s music and drama festivals to support creative arts.
Speaking on Friday, August 14 during the State Concert for the 98th Kenya Music Festival at Bungoma State Lodge, Ruto said the allocation would recognise participating institutions while helping them strengthen their creative arts programmes.
“There are over 30 schools and colleges participating in this event today. We want to say congratulations. I want to ask the Ministry of Education that the schools and institutions be awarded Ksh5 million each as a show of gratitude and appreciation,” Ruto said.
The President instructed Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to facilitate the allocation, directing that the funds be used to improve facilities and infrastructure supporting music and other creative activities.
He added that the funding would enable the institutions to better prepare for next year’s music and drama festivals, potentially pushing the government’s total allocation beyond Ksh150 million.
Ruto also announced plans to expand the proposed smart city project in Bungoma, directing the Ministry of Housing to redesign the development to accommodate more residents.
The project, which was initially planned as a 14-floor development, will be redesigned to rise to 24 floors and incorporate shopping centres, learning facilities and medical services.
The Head of State said similar smart city developments would be established in other parts of the country as part of efforts to promote balanced and equitable development.
Category Winners
The announcements were made as institutions were recognised for their performances at the 98th Kenya Music Festival.
Moi Forces Academy in Nairobi emerged as the best institution in the pre-primary category, while Aga Khan Academy Mombasa topped the primary school category.
Koyonzo Special School won the special needs education category, while Nzoia Sugar emerged the winner in the junior school category. Mwikhomo Special School topped the senior special needs education category.
Bunyore Girls High School was named the best senior school, while Murang'a School for the Hearing Impaired emerged top in the special needs senior school category.
Among tertiary institutions, Kitui Teachers Training College won the teachers' training colleges category, while Eldoret National Polytechnic and Kenyatta University topped the national polytechnic and university categories respectively.
Coast Teachers College Choir was named the best teachers' club and choir, alongside other institutions recognised across the festival's various categories.
