Kenya National Drama Festival 2025 Kicks Off in Nakuru: Full Highlights & Schedule!

​The 63rd edition of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival commenced today in Nakuru County, marking the beginning of a vibrant celebration of creativity and storytelling. The opening ceremony took place at Melvin Jones Hall, one of the festival's primary venues, alongside Lion School and Menengai High School. ​ Nation The festival was officially inaugurated by Prof. Charles Ong'ondo, the Director/CEO of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD). In his keynote address, Prof. Ong'ondo unpacked the 2025 theme, emphasizing the integration of technology in nurturing talent and instilling values for social prosperity. ​ University of Embu The opening day featured a series of captivating performances that set a high standard for the days to follow. Alliance High School presented a French play titled "Eugenie et Genevieve," exploring familial conflicts over career choices. Additionally, Migingo Girls Secondary School performed their play "Behind the Scenes," delving into the challenges faced by individuals behind public personas. ​ Nation This year's festival, themed "Liberating Technology to Nurture Talent While Inculcating Value for Social Prosperity," aims to highlight the role of technological advancements in the arts. The event has garnered significant support, notably a KES 25 million sponsorship from Equity Bank. This contribution is intended to reward outstanding schools and trainers through certificates, trophies, and cash prizes, further motivating participants to excel in their artistic endeavors. ​

Scheduled to run from April 7th to 18th, the festival promises a diverse array of performances from schools and colleges nationwide. Attendees can look forward to a showcase of talent that not only entertains but also addresses pertinent social issues, reflecting the transformative power of drama and film in society. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights as the festival unfolds, celebrating the rich tapestry of Kenyan culture and the boundless creativity of its youth. The 63rd edition of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival commenced today in Nakuru County, showcasing a diverse array of performances from various schools. The festival, themed "Leveraging Technology to Nurture Talent While Inculcating National Values for Socio-Economic Prosperity," aims to highlight the integration of technology in the arts. citeturn0search10 **Notable Performances on Day One:** - **Alliance High School**: Presented a French play titled *"Eugenie et Genevieve,"* which delves into a father's struggle to influence his children's career choices, contrasting parental expectations with individual aspirations. citeturn0search0 - **Migingo Girls Secondary School**: Performed *"Behind the Scenes,"* a play that explores the challenges individuals face behind their public personas, shedding light on personal struggles often hidden from view. citeturn0search0 - **Kaaga Girls High School**: Staged a Kiswahili play focusing on the complexities of parenting, offering insights into familial relationships and societal expectations. citeturn0search1 - **Moi Girls School Nairobi**: Delivered two pieces: - A choral verse titled *"Wambo,"* emphasizing the importance of balancing co-curricular activities with academic pursuits to foster well-rounded development. - A solo verse, *"Toilet Walls,"* addressing the mental trauma and insecurities that can lead to bullying, advocating for open communication and seeking help when needed. - **Mkunumbi Secondary School**: From Lamu West, presented a solo verse titled *"The Whispering Pod,"* highlighting the responsible use of mobile phones in educational settings and the potential pitfalls of technology misuse. - **Ramba School**: Performed a choral verse, *"Yitafunguka,"* depicting a community's evolving attitude towards education and the transformative power of knowledge. - **Kitengela International Schools**: Presented *"Sherehe,"* a choral verse addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, advocating for inclusivity and understanding. The opening ceremony was graced by Prof. Julius Bitok, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, who lauded the festival's diversity and inclusivity. He encouraged young creatives to produce positive content and utilize technology responsibly in their artistic endeavors. As the festival progresses, attendees can anticipate a rich tapestry of performances that not only entertain but also provoke thought and inspire change, reflecting the vibrant cultural landscape of Kenya. The play "Echoes of War" by Butere Girls High School has garnered significant attention in the lead-up to the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival. Initially, the play was excluded from the Western Regional winners' gala, raising concerns among stakeholders. However, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has since confirmed that the issues leading to its removal have been resolved, and the play has been reinstated for performance at the national festival in Nakuru. "Echoes of War," written by former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malalah, delves into themes of governance, technology, and social justice. Set in the fictional Royal Velvet Emirates, it portrays a nation emerging from civil war, with young individuals spearheading efforts to rebuild institutions and advocate for improved healthcare, education, and justice systems. The protagonist, Mustafa, a final-year IT student, develops 'Telemedicine,' a software connecting patients to doctors globally. His involvement in political discussions about the past war, particularly on social media, brings him into conflict with the ruling authorities. Another character, Anifa Imana, represents an artificial intelligence system, highlighting both the benefits and dangers of technology in modern governance.

The performance of "Echoes of War" is scheduled for April 10, 2025, during the ongoing festival in Nakuru County. This year's festival, running from April 7th to 18th, promises a rich tapestry of performances that not only entertain but also provoke thought and inspire change, reflecting the vibrant cultural landscape of Kenya.