Kaitheri polytechnic hits the high note in Kirinyaga music festival

Kaitheri polytechnic's learners presenting a folk dance that celebrated the Agikuyu culture during the vocational training centres music festival/ ALICE WAITHERA

Kaitheri County Polytechnic emerged the overall winner of the 2026 Kirinyaga county music festivals involving vocational training centres.

The festival held at Kerugoya brought together trainees from 16 polytechnic. Participants competed across multiple categories including choral verses, solo presentations and cultural dances, all under the theme “Music and Skills for Sustainable Development.”

The event highlighted artistic excellence and the growing role of vocational institutions in nurturing well-rounded youth.

Speaking during the event, Kirinyaga CEC for trade and tourism Calbert Njeru praised the competition, reiterating the county government’s commitment to ensure talent development and skills are appreciated.

Kaitheri County Polytechnic dominated the festival across all categories, followed by Ndiriti Vocational Training Centre in second place and Kiambatha Vocational Training Centre in third.

Hundreds of trainees took to the stage at Kerugoya Catholic Church, rendering captivating, energetic and thought-provoking performances.

Beyond entertainment, the performances were used as a platform to address pressing societal concerns such as alcohol abuse and the protection of the girl child, reinforcing the role of creative arts as a tool for advocacy and social transformation.

Njeru emphasised the county's commitment to empowering skilled youth, noting that financial support mechanisms have already been put in place.

The county has established an empowerment fund designed to support youth, women and other groups by providing financial assistance to help them start or grow income-generating activities after acquiring skills.

Acting chief officer for education Rose Wanjiru Wachira said the festival was designed to give every trainee an opportunity to shine beyond the classroom.

Students from Kaitheri polytechnic presenting a choral verse on alcoholism on March 29, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERA

“The main aim of this festival is to ensure that all our students from the 16 vocational training centres are given an opportunity to showcase and express their talents,” she said.

She added that the initiative is aimed at nurturing individual abilities alongside technical training.

“Beyond skills development, we want each of them to feel recognised and appreciated for their unique talents."

Kaitheri Polytechnic principal Lawrence Mugo said the platform plays a critical role in exposing trainees to broader opportunities.

The highlight of the festival was Kaitheri Polytechnic’s outstanding performance, scoring 93 per cent in the African choral verse focused on raising awareness about the dangers of illicit alcohol.

Kirinyaga county has been grappling with alcoholism with scores of youths losing their lives and others suffering poor health including blindness.

The institution also scored 89 per cent in both solo verse categories and 86 per cent in folk dance, which celebrated Kikuyu culture.

Victoria Musembi, a student from Kaitheri Polytechnic and winner in the choral verse category, expressed her excitement after the win.

“I don’t take this opportunity for granted. It has been a long journey towards exploiting and exposing our talents,” she said.

She described the festival as transformative and encouraged other young people to embrace their talents, noting that such platforms open doors for growth and recognition.

During last year’s National Music Festivals, Kaitheri Polytechnic secured first position in Kikuyu Folksong, Kikuyu Folk Dance and Sacred Folksong while also finishing second in the Twaijivunia Kenya special composition and third in Oral African Language (Irebeta).

Kibingoti Polytechnic also excelled nationally, clinching second position in Sacred Folksong, further cementing Kirinyaga County’s reputation as a hub for both talent and technical training.