The anticipation is building for one of the most important events in Kenya’s academic calendar – the University Drama Festivals. Scheduled for November 8th to 16th at Egerton University, this annual gathering is not just about performance; it’s about potential.
Initiated by the Ministry of Education, the festival was conceived as a powerful tool for unity, exposing students and trainers to rich artistic interactions that strengthen bonds, unearth talent, and contribute to Kenya’s economy.
The University Drama Festivals go beyond a showcase of talent; they represent an investment in Kenya’s future. By engaging in drama, film, beauty pageantry, and visual arts, students learn collaboration, communication, and resilience. These are not just skills for the stage but for life and leadership. As the world grows increasingly digital, Kenya’s creative industry could be a cornerstone of our economy, providing jobs and boosting local and national pride.
Our government leaders, especially the Ministries of Education, Culture, Sports and Heritage, and Youth Affairs, have an opportunity to embrace and support these artistic gatherings actively. Supporting the festival doesn’t just mean funding; it means fostering an ecosystem where creative expression is valued and encouraged, where students’ voices matter, and where youth talents are nurtured rather than stifled.
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However, concerning barriers have started to emerge. Some individuals seem intent on creating unnecessary challenges that disrupt the festival’s objectives. This interference only serves to stifle the arts, dampening young people’s enthusiasm and robbing Kenya of the immense benefits these events bring. Imagine a generation of young Kenyans denied the chance to develop their creative voice because of bureaucracy or narrow interests. That’s a reality we cannot afford.
Art reflects society. It educates, inspires, and challenges. It’s a force for good that must be supported, safeguarded, and allowed to flourish. Let’s remember that our role as a society is not just to provide a stage for these young performers but to create an environment where their talents can thrive.
The Kenya Universities Performing Arts Association (KUPAA), which organizes and oversees these festivals, is committed to this cause. They are hosting this season’s festival with the enthusiasm and dedication it deserves, bringing together students from across the country to celebrate their work, their stories, and their dreams.
As the curtain rises on this year’s University Drama Festivals, we call on our leaders, educators, and stakeholders to rally behind it fully. Let’s invest in these future leaders, artists, and innovators, and in doing so, let’s create a more united, creative, and economically empowered Kenya.
Our students are ready. Are we?
By Ombija TJ Odhiambo
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