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Culture, music on show at Kenya National Music Festival
Pumwani Girls High School students rehearse a folk song in preparation for the national competition which kicks off on August 4, 2025.
A lot of fanfare, marked by well-choreographed performances in music and dances, is expected at the 97th edition of the Kenya National Music Festival, which begins in Meru County today.
The event will be hosted at Kaaga Girls High School, Meru School and Meru Teachers Training College, bringing together learners from pre-primary to university level.
Often referred to as the crucible of future Kenyan artistry, the festival is a melting pot of the country’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing the mastery and understanding of various Kenyan traditions through creative expression. The festival will run from August 4 to August 11, with the Gala Concerts slated for August 13 and 14.
Today, the hall at Kaaga Girls will host the English Group Verse category for the hearing impaired, with schools such as Kuja Special School (Nyanza), Kedowa Special School (Rift Valley), PCEA Kambui (Central), WEE School for the Deaf, Givavei School (Western), Nyangweso (Nyanza), St Comban’s School (Rift Valley), Mwikomo (Western), Nairobi School (Nairobi), and Murang’a School for the Hearing Impaired (Central) expected to perform.
Thika Garrison Secondary School students present an item for the a Pop Talent Group a new category on July 31, 2025 for the 2025 Kenya National Music Festival.
In the choral verse category themed “Developing the Creative Economy through Creativity and Imagination” and sponsored by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), participating schools include St Scholastica (Nyanza), Aga Khan Nursery (Coast), Moi Primary Kabarak (Rift Valley), Kidfarmaco (Central), Vyvoleni (Eastern), Simba Day (Nairobi), and Lugulu Boarding (Western).
At Meru School’s Main Hall, choral music performances will begin at 8am with presentations from Ogwedhi, Timbila, Oloolaimutia, Lusigeti, Oldonyiro, Moi Forces Academy, Imanyika, Mausa, Prosperity Junior and Sowene primary schools.
Kanunga High School will present a special composition titled “Shukrani Walimu”, highlighting the critical roles teachers play in community development.
Kanunga will also showcase Shiriri, a traditional fiddle played by the Bukusu community of the Luhya people, often featured during celebratory events such as weddings, initiations, bumper harvests and childbirth.
African contemporary music will also feature prominently, offering a lens into the evolution of traditional African rhythms into modern musical expressions.
Pumwani Girls High School will stage five items in different categories, including a verse on the importance of saving and spending money wisely, in a category sponsored by Post Bank. Their pieces, which include solo, group, and traditional performances, won awards at the Nairobi Regional Music Festival held recently at Jamhuri High School.
Students Ifra Abukar, Maida Yunis, Purity Kariuki, and Halima Mohamud shone in poetry and spoken word, demonstrating exceptional confidence and creativity. The school’s principal, Ms Eshery Munala, said the annual event celebrates and nurtures artistic creativity among students.
Other notable participants include Precious Blood, Starehe Centre, County Girls, Afraha High School, Brookfield Academy, Tetu Girls Primary, Makueni Girls, Kaaga Girls, Chuka Girls, Wajir Girls, and Moi Girls Nairobi.
Newcomer Kiharu Technical and Vocational College recently held a vibrant cultural festival to prepare for their debut at the national stage. Technical and Vocational Colleges (TVCs) do not compete at the regional level and proceed directly to nationals. Kiharu TVC Chief Principal Daniel Wahungu described TVC education as a key pillar of Kenya's Vision 2030.
“Technical training will be the next big thing as we develop a skilled labour force to transform Kenya from rural to urban competitiveness,” he said.
Rift Valley region’s Koelel Forces Academy is expected to impress in the national finals. They are set to perform Zilizopendwa, Boys Set Peace, and Zinazovuma, which are generating excitement among peers.
Kenya National Music Festival Executive Secretary Janet Langat expressed her appreciation to President William Ruto “for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to nurturing creativity and education.”
“His encouragement continues to inspire both participants and organisers to uphold excellence,” she said. She also thanked Meru Governor Issack M’Ethingia Mutuma for the county’s warm hospitality and logistical support.
Equity Group Managing Director and CEO James Mwangi emphasised the connection between creativity and well-being.
“Our involvement in the festival reflects our broader mission to promote financial security and personal development,” he said.
“This platform isn’t just about talent—it's about empowering individuals to build secure futures through financial literacy, health, and education.”
