First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and Principal Secretary Dr Belio Kipsang (Basic Education) during 2017 Kenya Music Festivals at Kakamega State Lodge, July 21, 2017. [Photo PSCU]First Lady Margaret Kenyatta hosted the winners of the 2017 Kenya Music Festivals at Kakamega State Lodge where she sent a strong message of unity among Kenyans . She said the sterling performances presented at the 91st festivals and which represented a broad range of Kenyan cultures, were a reminder that the country remains a one united nation. “As a nation, we are one people-we are one Kenya," said Margaret after listening to a diverse of culturally rich performances from this year’s 26 finalists in various categories. The festivals were being held in Kakamega for the first time where more than 70 schools, colleges and university teams were invited to the 13-day music, drama and dance extravaganza, Friday July 21. The festivals brought together over 3,000 participants, 600 of whom emerged winners. The festivals also attracted interest from Brazilian students studying music in Germany. Only 26 teams of finalists, including one from Uganda, presented their performances during closing fete. The themes included national unity, cohesion and integration. A closing presentation by a combined team of Loreto, Limuru and Alliance High schools together with Burumba Secondary School, Technical University of Kenya and Masinde Muliro University talked about peace before and after the elections. The First Lady said the government recognised the important role that the music festival plays in promoting a culture of tolerance, inclusiveness and respect for all the diverse cultures of Kenya. As such, she said, the government, through the Ministry of Education fully supports all initiatives that nurture talent and provide platforms for students to showcase their gifts, not only from Kenya but the region. The First Lady also encouraged stronger partnerships between the public and the private sector to expand access to polytechnics that can host spaces that nurture interest in the arts and sports among the youth. She congratulated the participants for inspiring their peers by showcasing their talents through thrilling performances. The First Lady was received at Kakamega State Lodge by Principal Secretaries Dr Belio Kipsang (Basic Education) and Dr Dinah Jerotich Mwinzi (Vocational and Technical Training) among other senior Government officials. Peter Wanjohi, the chairman of the Kenya Music Festival National Executive Committee and the Secretary Ruth Agesa were also among those welcoming the First Lady.

Share news tips with us here at Hivisasa

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​