The official opening of the East African Music, Dance and Drama Festival at Tororo Girls School featured a colourful array of performances from both Kenya and Uganda, showcasing the richness and diversity of East African performing arts.
Mount Kenya University opened proceedings with a narrative and spoken-word performance, while Bungoma High School dramatised a choral verse scripted by Toili Khisa. The piece explored teaching and learning of power and electrons in a Chemistry lesson, demonstrating how performing arts can be effectively be integrated into classroom instruction.
Ngenia presented a Zilizopendwa performance, while Little Lilies from Kakamega also thrilled the audience with their act.
From Uganda, St Mary's Hill presented an Acholi folk dance, offering the audience a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage, while St James Jinja delivered a captivating choral verse.
Moi Girls Isinya students present a choral verse during East Africa Music Dance and Drama Festival at Buddo Secondary School in Kampala, Uganda on August 23, 2026.
Photo credit: Anthony Njagi | Nation Media Group
The opening ceremony was attended by key education and performing arts officials, among them the Head of the Kenyan Delegation, Prof Fredrick Ngala, alongside Professor C. J. Odhiambo and Kenya National Music Festival Executive Secretary Janet Langat. The incoming Executive Secretary of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival, Robinson Kiarie, was also in attendance.
Moroto High School from Uganda’s Karamoja Region presents a traditional dance during the East African Music, Dance and Drama Festival 2026 at Tororo Girls School in Uganda on August 21, 2026.
Photo credit: Anthony Njagi | Nation Media Group
Speaking during the occasion, Ms Langat expressed hope that the East African Music, Dance and Drama Festival would continue to grow stronger and foster greater collaboration among countries in the region.
Professor Odhiambo described the festival as a valuable opportunity to use performing arts as an effective mode of education.
Kitengela International School, Athi River, present a Choral Verse during East African Music Dance and Drama Festival 2026 at Tororo Girls School in Uganda on August 21, 2026.
Photo credit: Anthony Njagi | Nation Media Group
The festival brought 635 students from Kenya, drawn from secondary schools and two primary schools, while Uganda was represented by 45 schools, bringing together hundreds of learners and teachers.
The event was coordinated by Mr Mugisha, who worked alongside participating teams and officials to ensure its smooth running.
The opening performances and messages set the tone for a festival celebrating East African unity, cultural diversity and the transformative power of performing arts in education.
Fesbeth High School's Kathleen Sanne, first runner-up for Best Actor, and Kaylee Toywa, Best Actress, Kenya, perform in the play The 4th Wiseman by Oliver Minishi during the East African Music, Dance and Drama Festival 2026 at Tororo Girls School in Uganda on August 21, 2026
Photo credit: Anthony Njagi | Nation Media Group
Other performances from Kenya that were well received by the audience included Moi Educational Centre — dramatised solo verse; Lions Junior School — play; Agoro Sare — dramatised choral verse; Ilkisonko — mime; Waso Girls — spoken word; Kapkenda School — live broadcast; Khasoko High School — Luhya dance; St Charles Lwanga — Kisii dance; Sigot High School — Nandi dance; Muthetheni Girls — Kamba dance; Junior Academy — African western ensemble; Sabunley Senior School — Somali dance; and Karen C — Gospel Zilizopendwa.
