The Kenya National Drama and Film Festival has once again come under sharp focus over concerns about the direction of scripts.

Stakeholders are warning against the creeping influence of political messaging in student productions. Festival chairperson Prof Christopher Joseph Odhiambo emphasised that while the platform encourages bold storytelling, it is not meant to be a stage for ‘side shows’ that deviate from its educational purpose.

“Our mandate is not to engage in any side shows but to help the Kenyan child develop their talents and skills so that they can have something to live on,” he said.

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“What we are interested in is work of art that enables us to create awareness about the social, economic and development issues that are facing this country,” he said.

“There are so many artistes out there. They can engage with the themes that we are not engaging with. And I think we should be very, very clear that ours is what we call edutainment.”

The organisers have reiterated their intention to reassert the original intent of the festival as an educational and developmental platform.

Prof Odhiambo clarified that while schools are free to interpret the annual theme, the responsibility lies with teachers and learners to remain within the broader goal of addressing social and developmental issues.

“The National Drama Festival, the Ministry of Education and the government do not decide for schools the topics they choose. Our job is not to prescribe. Our job is to describe,” he added.

This year’s theme, ‘Bold Storytellers: Digital Stages, Driving Kenya’s Development Through Theatre and Film,’ has given participants wide latitude to promote awareness of societal challenges.

Last year, a play by Butere Girls High School sparked national debate after it was reportedly barred from being staged over its perceived political undertones, raising questions about censorship and artistic freedom in schools.

The school went to court and an order was issued allowing it to perform.

Tensions later escalated during the festival and the learners only performed the national anthem before leaving the stage in protest.

The issue was reignited this year following reports that Moi High School Mbiruri’s play titled The Gap was disqualified for going against set guidelines and referencing ‘Singapore’.

The school earned top honours last year with their winning play The Classmate, a production widely praised for its emotional depth and for addressing issues faced by learners in the Kenyan academic system.

Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development CEO Prof Charles Ong’ondo underscored the importance of the festival in complementing formal learning.

"We recognise the powerful role of this platform in exercising the non-formal curriculum but also in complementing what we do in the formal curriculum,” he said.

He added that the institute has integrated technology into the festival experience, including live broadcasting and archiving performances for future reference.

“We will be relaying live all the performances here so that our parents can share in what the children are doing,” he noted.

He said Grade 10 learners are participating in the festival for the first time, marking a shift in how creative arts are assessed and nurtured in senior school.

“Some are participating in theatre and film not just as a co-curricular activity but as a learning area in which they will be assessed,” he said.

He also addressed widespread confusion at the grassroots regarding student eligibility, particularly for those in STEM pathways.

“Do not tell learners who are doing STEM that they are not eligible to participate. We have not stopped them from playing football or performing on a stage. These things remain co-curricular activities,” he said.

The Ministry of Education has echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the inclusive nature of co-curricular activities under CBC.

Director general Elyas Abdi Jillaow described the festival as a critical tool in shaping well-rounded learners.

“This festival represents far more than a celebration of artistic talent. It is a manifestation of our national commitment to nurturing creativity, fostering critical thinking and cultivating the holistic development of our learners,” he said.

Jillaow emphasised that the evolution from an extra-curricular to co-curricular activity reflects deeper recognition of the role of arts in education, saying it is critical for all learners to participate.

He further highlighted the scale and impact of the festival, noting that it has grown into the largest cultural performing arts event in Sub-Saharan Africa since its inception in 1959.

“Over 120,000 learners have converged at the national stage. This demonstrates that Kenya is truly a nation where talent is everywhere,” he said.

Peter Ndoro, the head of education at Equity Bank, one of the partners at the festival, highlighted the institution’s broader commitment to nurturing talent and innovation among young people.

“Drama and film are powerful platforms for shaping ideas, exploring societal issues and imagining solutions. This investment aims to motivate learners to push creative boundaries and elevate artistic expression across Kenya,” he added.

Ndoro, who handed over a Sh25 million cheque to the festival, noted that the bank’s involvement goes beyond sponsorship and focuses on empowering youth through technology and rewarding excellence.