Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa speaking during the official opening odf the 98th National Music Festivals at Kibabii University, August 3 /HANDODUTLearner safety has taken centre stage at the 98th Kenya National Music Festival as thousands of participants from all 47 counties converge at Kibabii University in Bungoma county for the annual event.
Themed "Enhancing the Creative Economy through Skills, Knowledge and Artistic Production for Sustainable Development," the two-week festival, which runs until August 14, has brought together learners to showcase their talents in music, dance, spoken word and other cultural performances.
The total cash prize of Sh2.5 million is at stake to be shared among winning students across the various categories.
Speaking during the official opening, Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa said comprehensive safety measures, including Ebola screening, had been put in place to protect participants, officials and visitors throughout the festival.
"Not just the teams that are coming, but of any visitors that are coming particularly from any country that may have some history or cases reported of Ebola. So there's thorough screening at all the border points. The Ministry of Health is actually here and they are taking every step," Ololtuaa said.
The Bungoma government also assured participants of enhanced security, saying it had worked with security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure officers are on standby to respond to any emergencies.
Pupils take part in the ongoing national music festivals at Kibabii University in Bungoma county /HANDOUTAs hundreds of schools continue ferrying learners to Bungoma, teachers accompanying participants have been reminded to maintain close supervision during travel and throughout the festival.
School heads have also been urged to ensure vehicles transporting learners are roadworthy, insured and compliant with traffic regulations, and that only experienced drivers familiar with the routes are assigned to the trips.
The renewed focus on road safety comes amid a rise in fatal road crashes across the country, with stakeholders saying experienced drivers are better placed to navigate changing traffic conditions and reduce the risk of accidents.
Beyond safety, the Kenya National Music Festival continues to promote cultural preservation, national cohesion and holistic learner development.
Ololtuaa reaffirmed the government's commitment to advancing the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum by providing learners with opportunities to nurture their talents, creativity and innovation.
"The government is strengthening the creative economy by enabling learners to digitise and monetise their creative works. I congratulate all participants and commend teachers, parents and stakeholders for nurturing talent and shaping future creators."
The annual festival provides learners with a national platform to showcase their artistic abilities while supporting the growth of the creative economy through the Competency-Based Education curriculum.
