President William Ruto has announced a new national talent search programme and increased support for participating schools as he hosted the 98th Kenya Music Festival State Concert at Bungoma State Lodge on Friday.
The concert marked the conclusion of the two-week national festival, which brought together more than 143,000 students from schools, colleges and tertiary institutions across the country to showcase their skills in music and other creative disciplines.
Ruto said the Ministry of Education will provide Sh5 million to each school and institution that performed at the State Concert. The funding will support creative arts facilities, including music rooms, instruments and rehearsal spaces, in a move aimed at strengthening arts education.
The President also directed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to lead the establishment of the Kenya National Talent Search, a year-round programme designed to identify and nurture young talent across the country.
The initiative will bring together the government and private sector to scout for talent beyond traditional school competitions. It will cover music, comedy, acting, poetry, film, dance, sport and other creative and sporting disciplines.
