Drama Festival State Concert 2025: A Spectacle of Talent, Triumphs, and Tears

--- Drama Festival State Concert 2025: A Spectacle of Talent, Triumphs, and Tears The curtains fell in spectacular fashion at the 2025 National Drama and Film Festival State Concert held today at the Kenya National Theatre, showcasing the very best of artistic brilliance from schools across the country. The festival brought together regional champions who had battled their way through zonal, county, and regional competitions to earn a coveted spot on the national stage. Schools That Lit Up the Stage From heartwarming narratives to hard-hitting societal themes, the performances captivated the audience from start to finish. Among the standout performances were: Kapsabet Boys High School, whose witty satirical play "Broken Chains" tackled the topic of corruption in county governments. Their well-choreographed scenes and sharp dialogue earned them a standing ovation. Ng’iya Girls High School delivered an emotional piece, "The Silenced Song", focusing on gender-based violence and the struggle for justice. Their storytelling and synchronized movement struck a deep chord with the audience. Ruthimitu Mixed Secondary School thrilled the crowd with their inventive mime performance, "Whispers of the Wall", a story told entirely through expressions and sound effects. It was a clear favorite among the judges. Alliance High School presented a powerful choral verse titled "Echoes of the Land", which celebrated Kenya's diverse cultures and called for national unity.

Each of these schools had emerged victorious at the zonal, county, and regional levels. It was no easy feat, with over 6,000 schools participating in this year’s festival. They faced intense competition and rigorous scrutiny by adjudicators throughout the journey. Ng’iya Girls had to outshine the likes of Butere Girls at the regional level. Kapsabet Boys dominated the Rift Valley region with back-to-back wins. Ruthimitu Mixed surprised many by beating traditional powerhouses in Nairobi Region. Runners-Up and Notable Mentions This year’s runners-up included: Butula Boys, whose modern dance piece wowed the crowd with its energy and precision. Moi Forces Academy Lanet, known for their stirring dramatized poem on climate change. St. Mary’s Lwak Girls, who presented a contemporary play themed around online addiction and teenage identity. Butere Girls’ Shocking Exit Butere girls failed to defend their title this year after encountring a series of challenges at the national level,their play "ECHOES OF WAR failed to be performed because it was anticipated that it was embarrassing some people in the government.The police were available on the day of their performance made it harder for them to perform as they were asked to perform without decors soundtracks and costumes,this followed after their director and writer Cleophas Malala was arrested the previous day.The girls only sang the national anthem and exited the stage. The President’s Speech: A Call for Creative Empowerment President William Ruto, who graced the State Concert as the chief guest, praised the incredible talent displayed by Kenyan students. In his closing remarks, he said: > "Today, we have not just witnessed entertainment; we have seen the heartbeat of our nation in these performances. Drama and film are powerful tools for shaping minds and addressing social issues. My government will continue to support creative arts in schools and ensure more funding for co-curricular activities. To every student here today—you are the future storytellers of Kenya. Keep dreaming. Keep creating." He also announced the launch of a new National Creative Arts Fund to support school-based theatre and film projects, drawing applause from the entire auditorium. --- The 2025 Drama Festival State Concert was not just a competition—it was a celebration of voices, vision, and the vibrant spirit of Kenyan youth. As the actors took their final bows and the curtains closed, one thing was clear: the future of Kenyan theatre is dazzlingly bright. what are your thoughts on this year's drama fest? let us know as we wait for music festivals follow as for more updates