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Societal issues main theme at music festival
ACK St Andrews Zimmerman School pupils celebrate after emerging top with their choral verse ‘Bad Manners’ on Day 2 of the 98th Kenya National Music Festival at Kibabii University in Bungoma County on August 3, 2026.
What you need to know:
- ACK St Andrew’s Zimmerman delivered a moving performance when they presented a choral verse titled Bad Manners.
- In the African Ensemble category, Junior Academy from the Western Region emerged winners, followed by Nabole Primary School.
Western style singing games, African style singing games and folk songs with sacred text featured on Monday on Day 2 of the 98th Kenya National Music Festival at Kibabii University in Bungoma County.
ACK St Andrew’s Zimmerman delivered a moving performance when they presented a choral verse titled Bad Manners, which encourages children to embrace values and respect.
The piece earned the school first place, with Kamatungu Primary School came second and Elegant School took third place.
Holy Innocents Tassia Catholic School pupils celebrate after winning in the Singing Games category on Day 2 of the 98th Kenya National Music Festival at Kibabii University in Bungoma County on August 3, 2026.
The winning performance featured Christine Njeri, Vayan Wanjiku, Wendy Gatuiri, Shantel Ndanu, Salome Wambui, Edward Kibe, Shirlene Talu, Lesley Rose, Aurelia Mutani, Carol Njeri, Imani Kaithi, and Katelyn Nzisa, among others.
In the African Ensemble category, Junior Academy from the Western Region emerged winners, followed by Nabole Primary School in second place and Moi Air Base in third.
Bungoma Deputy Governor Jeniffer Mbatiany — who represented Governor Kenneth Lusaka — and Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa, officially opened the festival. Kenya Music Festival Chairman Prof Fredrick Ngala and Executive Secretary Janet Langat were also present.
More than 140,000 learners from all the 47 counties are participating in the music festival that is featuring more than 600 competitive categories.
The festival aims to identify and nurture talent among learners from pre-primary institutions through to universities, with performances in music, dance, and elocution.
Ulawe Spate Primary School from Nyanza and Viona Adhiambo, a Grade Five pupil, who played the Nyatiti, thrilled the crowd.
Also featured were Ngwata Primary from the Eastern Region, Awasi Primary, and ACK Valley View from the Central Region.
The Early Childhood Development category did not disappoint, with Moi Forces Academy presenting the winning choral verse. Umoja Primary also took top honours as well as Kiwanja Pre-School.
Principal Secretary for Education John Ololtuaa during the official opening ceremony of the 98th Kenya National Music Festival at Kibabii University in Bungoma County on August 3, 2026.
During the official opening ceremony, guests were treated to Western style singing games for pre-primary learners featuring Tala SA, St Peter's ECDE, Imani AEPC Academy, Happy Toto School, Shena, Sony Complex, Gilhil Hills Academy, Friends Haven, Ofafa Day Nursery, Karatina DEB, The Wango, Blessed Junior, and Mitsemerimo. Gilgil Hills presented Western style singing games.
African folk songs from the Luo and Luhya communities entertained guests. Kagaki School, Imara, Oruba Keyo, Mabunge AIC, Embu Urban, Smart Brains, Shanzu Jisma, Ombujo Makarsru ACK, Nyakiambi, and Mary Immaculate performed in the main hall.
Chogoria Girls Boarding School, Westlands Primary School, Siaya Township, Lugulu Boarding and Machakos Primary School competed in the Taarab Music Category featured
PS Ololtuaa said this year's performances continue to demonstrate the relevance of the creative arts in addressing pertinent and contemporary issues affecting society. He noted that through their performances, learners engage with themes that affirm the festival's role as a platform for value-based education and social transformation.
Equity Group Managing Director and CEO James Mwangi said the bank’s role as a sponsor goes beyond financial support.
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