Homa bay: Hundreds of learners in Homa Bay County are set to advance to the county level of the Kenya Music Festival competitions after the successful conclusion of the three-day competition within Rangwe Sub County. The event, which brought together schools from across the sub-county, showcased learners’ talents in music, verse, elocution, drama, and cultural performances, reflecting the growing role of co-curricular activities in the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
According to Kenya News Agency, the learners were drawn from Primary, Junior Secondary, and Senior Secondary schools across Rangwe. Speaking at Oneno Primary School in Kochia Ward during the closing ceremony, Kenya Music Festival Executive Secretary, Janet Langat, praised the high standards displayed by participants, saying the quality of performances demonstrated the effectiveness of talent development in schools. Langat emphasized that music festivals are an extension of classroom learning, providing learners with opportunities to develop communication, creativity, collaboration, and critical-thinking skills envisioned under CBC.
Following the completion of the sub-county competitions, successful participants will proceed to the county level before advancing to regional contests and ultimately the national Kenya Music Festival, scheduled to be held at Kibabii University from August 1 to 14. Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) Director Prof. Charles Ong’ondo described the festival as an important platform for identifying and nurturing talent among learners.
Ong’ondo, a resident of Kochia Ward in Rangwe, also lauded the community for supporting education initiatives, including the establishment of the newly launched Prof. Ong’ondo Multi-Purpose Hall at Oneno Comprehensive School, which hosted part of the festival activities. He appealed to learners to avoid acts of school unrest and destruction of property, urging them to resolve grievances through dialogue.
Homa Bay County Director of Education, Eunice Khaemba, said the success of the festival highlighted the importance of partnerships between schools, communities, and education stakeholders. She noted that the event had provided learners with an opportunity to showcase talents that may not always be visible in traditional classroom settings. She further encouraged parents and community leaders to continue supporting co-curricular programmes, noting that talent development can open future educational and economic opportunities for learners.
