Celebrations erupted at the Eldoret National Polytechnic as students and tutors returned from Nyeri with 17 trophies, capping a dominant performance at the Kenya National Drama Festivals.
Chief Principal Charles Koech, accompanied by senior managers, received the trophies and led the institution in marking what was described as a rare and commendable achievement by the team.
Frankline Omondi, chairman of the drama team, said they were delighted by the support received from the institution’s management, which enabled them to showcase their talent on a national stage.
He noted that the team produced some of the best actors and actresses, many of whom emerged among the top performers in the country.
Other standout performers included George Runi, Priscillah Akasa and Phoebe Achieng. The team was guided by lead trainer Paul Kigali.
Drama and Films patron Kennedy Mutai attributed the success to months of rigorous preparation, saying the group had undergone thorough training over the past three months.
He described the competition as intense but said the team’s hard work paid off, adding that the support from Koech and the management had been instrumental.
In recognition of their achievement, the college sponsored the team for a tour of Mombasa after the festivals.
Koech said the performance had placed the institution in the national spotlight as a centre that excels not only in academics but also in co-curricular activities and the overall development of its learners.
One of the winning performances was staged during the State Concerts at State House in Nairobi in the presence of President William Ruto.
He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to nurturing student talent, noting that both tutors and learners had raised the polytechnic’s profile through consistent excellence.
Following the results, the institution presented four items at the gala festivals, including a play, narrative, cultural creative dance and screen verse and is also set to feature again at the State Concert.
Among its achievements, the polytechnic secured top honours in English narrative, including best narrators, best costume and décor and most creative and original narrative.
It also emerged first in English choral verse. In the cultural creative dance category, the institution dominated, winning awards for best costume and décor, most creative performance, best choreography and overall winner.
It also excelled in the plays category, taking top honours in the Kiswahili play and clinching the overall best play award for 2026 (KITO). Individual accolades included best male actor awarded to Frankline Omondi and best female actress to Priscilla Khakasa.
In film, the polytechnic’s screen verse also secured first position, underscoring its strength across multiple disciplines.
The success comes just weeks after the institution was recognised for excellence in agricultural development and technical education during the 2026 Eldoret ASK National Show, where Koech received several awards on its behalf.
The polytechnic was also commended for its contribution to livestock development and modern agricultural practices. Residents and farmers, among them Wilson Kipruto, Joseph Samoei and Benjamin Leting, have praised the institution for its continued strong performance and its impact on technical education and agriculture.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The Eldoret National Polytechnic’s strong showing at the Kenya National Drama Festivals signals a growing emphasis on co-curricular excellence alongside technical training. Such success enhances the institution’s national visibility and strengthens its reputation as a holistic centre of learning. It also reflects the impact of sustained investment in talent development, mentorship and institutional support. The recognition at State House further elevates its profile, positioning it competitively among peer institutions. Beyond accolades, the achievement underscores the role of creative arts in shaping confident, well-rounded graduates while reinforcing the value of integrating cultural expression into Kenya’s broader education and skills development agenda.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!