Meru: Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala has called on young people to embrace creativity as a viable career path, highlighting the potential of music and drama as high-earning industries. Speaking at the recently concluded 2025 Kenya Music Festival in Meru County, Inyangala emphasized the government's commitment to supporting learners with talent in the creative arts and helping them gain exposure to the market.
According to Kenya News Agency, Inyangala noted the festival showcased the immense creativity of Kenya's youth, underscoring the need to create an environment that nurtures this potential. This includes providing necessary musical instruments in schools and offering mentorship opportunities. The performances addressed critical issues such as climate change and gender-based violence, urging policymakers to take necessary action.
National chairperson for the festivals, Prof. Frederick Ngala, expressed concerns over gender disparity, with female participants significantly outnumbering their male counterparts. Ngala highlighted the need for efforts to encourage more participation from boys, as this year's festival saw over 95,000 female participants compared to 45,000 males.
At the event, Kenyatta University emerged as the overall winner among institutions of higher learning, followed closely by Mount Kenya University (MKU). The University of Nairobi and Daystar University also made notable impacts on the national stage. MKU secured 17 wins, ranked second in 10 categories, and third in eight competitions. Mr. William Luta, Head of Sports, Film, and Creative Arts activities at MKU, attributed this success to the institution's support for its students and staff.
Kenyatta University achieved more than 30 wins from over 56 entries, reinforcing its reputation as a creative powerhouse. The festival, which spanned 12 days, attracted nearly 150,000 participants. Winners will proceed to Kampala, Uganda, to participate in the East Africa Music, Dance and Drama Festival, alongside winners from the Drama and Theatre Festival.