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African tunes thrill at Kenya National Music Festival
Kanunga High School students present an African traditional mixed instruments ensemble during Day Six of the Kenya National Music Festival at Meru School on August 9, 2025 .
Kanunga High School carried the day yesterday with its African traditional mixed instruments ensemble on Day 6 of the Kenya National Music Festival in Meru County.
The school’s well-blended performance — playing drums, shakers, and the piano as one piece — impressed the audience.
Marimanti Primary School presents a choral verse during the Day 6 of the Kenya National Music Festival at Meru TTC on August 9, 2025.
The students proved that African musical instruments can blend well with those from other parts of the world when they synchronised the Ishiriri (a one-stringed Luhya instrument), chivoti (a Mijikenda flute), adungu (an arched harp common in northern Uganda) and ikengele (a metal percussion rod) with the saxophone, keyboard, drum set, harmonica and acoustic guitars.
The piece received a standing ovation. It was proof that music is a universal language if presented beautifully in any place.
Kaimosi TTC students celebrate with their trophies after performing the winning song during Day 6 of the the Kenya National Music Festival at Meru School on August 9, 2025
Kanunga Chief Principal Paul Warutere said the playlist was based on African contemporary music.
“Good music, as has been witnessed through the ages, appeals to people wherever they come from. Music unifies people from different races, cultures and localities. That’s what our piece wanted to prove, and we have achieved it,” said Mr Warutere.
In the same class, Masinga Boys Secondary School presented an African-Western ensemble. The school played instruments such as Bassans solo guitar, piano, flute and drum set. They also played the African drum, shakers, kayamba (shaker) and karing'aring'a (an Agikuyu instrument).
Members of the audience rose to their feet and danced to the tunes. Dr Ben Ngatho and music teacher Augustus Mutisya trained the students.
Others who participated in the category were Samoei Boys High School, Otieno Oyoo Secondary School and Starehe Boys Centre.
The annual festival, which is in its 97th edition, is taking place at various venues in Meru County. Participants from pre-primary, primary, secondary, college up to university level are featuring in the festival which is hosted by the Ministry of Education.
Kaaga Girls High School students recite an English choral verse I'm Tired, which was scripted and directed by Eunice Maeke during the Day 6 of the Kenya National Music Festival at Meru School on August 9, 2025
This year’s event, which has increased participants, is sponsored by Equity Bank, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, Uraia and the Communication Authority of Kenya.
The English choral verse category was another item that attracted large audiences at Kaaga Girls High School yesterday.
The hosts shone with their poem; I am tired. The piece, which was scripted and directed by Kaaga Girls’ Chief Principal Eunice Maeke, urged people to appreciate their own and stop aping Western ways naively. It gave the example of how Kenyans argue and even fight about European football leagues, yet they do not even know the names of players in the Kenyan football league.
“It is about patriotism. We should appreciate that charity begins at home,” said Ms Maeke.
In the same category, Kipsigis Girls High School presented a choral verse, What happened at night. The choral verse is about people who are supposed to be protectors of the society but are, in fact, thugs in uniform. Others who performed impressively in this category were St Clare Maragoli Girls and Banisa Girls Secondary School.
Kitale National Polytechnic, Eldoret National Polytechnic, Sigalala National Polytechnic and Eldoret National Polytechnic dominated in their Luhya folk dances at Kaaga Girls’ main hall NTS.
Sigalagala National Polytechnic present a dance during the Day 6 of the the Kenya National Music Festival at Meru School on August 9, 2025
At the same time, Mr James Indimuli is now the new Rift Valley Regional Director of Education.
His appointment comes as a recognition of his long-standing contribution to co-curricular development, particularly in drama and music. The new role marks a significant milestone in his career in education and in the performing arts.
Mr Indimuli, who also served as the Kenya National Drama Festival Executive Secretary, has played a key role in advancing the quality and reach of school festivals across the country.
His influence has been felt both at the policy level and on the ground, where he has mentored numerous trainers and participants.
Speaking during the Kenya International Music Festival Conference held yesterday at Meru Teachers Training College, Mr Indimuli urged scholars, adjudicators, and trainers to continue upholding the values of discipline, creativity, and excellence.
“Festivals are not just about competition,” he noted. “They are platforms to mould character, nurture talent, and shape national values.”
The conference was graced by prominent figures in the academic and arts fraternity, including Prof LP Barasa, Prof Emily Akuno, and Prof Frederick Ngala.
