Top students at music festival tell Ruto what Kenya is missing

Top performers at this year’s Kenya Music Festival yesterday delivered strong leadership messages to President William Ruto and his top officials.

During their performances during the winners’ concert at the Eldoret State Lodge in Uasin Gishu, the students told the President what was suffering the country.

From warnings about road safety to calls for an end to drug abuse and peaceful coexistence, the students have taught the country lessons.

They praised their teachers for their role in nurturing young talents during the state concert, which took place a day after the host city of Eldoret was named the fifth largest city in the country.

With their coral singing, Tenwek Boarding Comprehensive School from Bomet County brought the fight against illegal beer to the highest stage of the festival.

“We appeal to you to stop using illegal drugs and alcohol so that we can develop. It (illegal alcohol) has killed people. Where are the religious leaders to pray? Why are they killing our people?” chanted the students of Tenwek Boarding Comprehensive.

Meanwhile, a specially written poem by St. Claire’s Maragoli Secondary School urged Kenyan drivers to stop driving so recklessly.

They said that the country lost many lives due to drunk driving. The school represented the Western region at the festivals.

Kiptulus Secondary School from Nandi passionately preached coexistence in their traditional song Ng’enda.

Interestingly, Ngara Girls High School from Nairobi performed their winning choral verse Behind the Adjudicator’s Desk. The piece was composed to challenge the judges not to be too harsh when judging the entries of young musical talents.

The Senende Boys from Vihiga County in the Western Region continued their outstanding show, belting out their Zilizopendwa with live instrumental accompaniment. The General Secretary of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu), Francis Atwoli, was seen enjoying the tune.

The State House Girls and Bunyore Girls used the opportunity to explain to the country the crucial role of teachers.

President Ruto said the festival provided a platform for the children to showcase their talents.

“Our students will be empowered to be composers and recorders of their performances,” President Ruto told participants.

He said that selected groups will represent the country at the invitation of Germany and perform traditional Kenyan songs in the European country.

The President praised the inclusion of more children with special needs in the 96th edition of the festival.

“Teachers have made sacrifices to help children develop their talents. Teachers who promote creative skills and sports are promoted based on their extracurricular activities. Last year, 407 teachers were promoted in the extracurricular sector and 17 received national awards,” he said.

Kenya Music Festival chairman Fredrick Ngala said 145,000 students participated in the national competition. Their performances, he said, were judged by 50 judges.

Vice President Rigathi Gachagua said he was pleased with the development of the learners’ communication skills.

“The young people talk to us a lot. The government has good stories that are not well told. The government is learning from the children how to communicate better,” he said.

Minister of Education Julius Ogamba and his counterpart for sports, Kipchumba Murkomen, as well as John Mbadi (Ministry of Finance) also attended.