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We need to bring back drama festival’s shine
Migingo Girls Secondary School perform their play Behind the scenes on April 7, 2025, on day one of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festivals at Lions School in Nakuru County.
We officially opened the 63rd edition of the Kenya Schools, Colleges and Universities Drama and Film Festivals on Monday in Nakuru—a tradition that has shaped generations, nurtured talent and given thousands of young people a voice. But as the curtains rise once again, I find myself asking: have the festivals lost the joy and enthusiasm that once made them magical?
There was a time when the festivals were the heartbeat of every school term. Students would rehearse with passion, teachers would go the extra mile to write original scripts, and entire communities would rally behind their schools. The creativity was raw, performances bold and experiences unforgettable. The festival was more than just competition—it was a celebration of identity, expression and possibility.
Today, something seems to have changed.
In many ways, spontaneity has given way to structure, sometimes to a fault. While organisation and discipline are important, there’s growing concern that over-regulation has stripped the festival of its original charm. Scripts feel predictable. Themes seem repetitive. Performances, while polished, often lack the emotional spark that once moved audiences to tears or laughter.
The growing obsession with trophies and rankings has shifted the focus from storytelling to scoring points.
When the pressure to win outweighs the purpose of expression, creativity suffers. Schools begin to play it safe—choosing content that judges will reward, rather than content that challenges, inspires, or reflects real student voices.
Public interest, too, seems to have waned. Once a national talking point, the festival now unfolds with far less fanfare. Media coverage is minimal, and many young people view participation as a requirement rather than a passion project.
And yet, the potential remains immense. The stage is still one of the most impactful tools for education, advocacy, and healing.
What we need is a revival. A return to bold scripts, daring performances and joy-filled participation. Let’s give our young people back the stage they deserve — not just to perform, but to be heard.
Charles Wanjohi, Nairobi
