The Kibabii University in Bungoma County is set and ready to host this years ‘Kenya National Drama and Film festivals , Vice Chancellor, Prof, Isaac Odeo Ipara has said.
On Tuesday, officials from the Ministry of Education and Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) visited the institution to assess its readiness in hosting the 60th edition of the festivals.
At least 2, 5000 participants are expected to take part in the drama and film extravaganza set to begin from April 1, this year.
The Vice Chancellor noted that all plans were at advanced stages to ensure that everything runs smoothly during the drama festivals.
The officials led by the Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, said the festival will attract participants who are learners from the early child hood education, primary and secondary schools, technical training institutes, teacher training colleges and universities.
According to Mutua this is in line with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s agenda of ensuring that Kenyans stay united despite coming from divergent cultural and religious backgrounds.
Mutua said this is an opportunity for the Kenyan youth to tap and nurture their hidden talents in sports, drama and film for future advancement.
The KFCB boss said the boards’ main mandate was to ensure that it promotes the Kenyan values, attributes and art while partnering with the ministry of Education in ensuring that explicit content does not reach the children.
Mutua said that as a country there was ‘need to embrace and express our own cultural values through plays, drama and film other than copying foreign culture.”
The National Director of Performing Arts in the Ministry of Education, David Okwemba Sirengo said the festival will show-case at least seven categories including plays, Drama and Film.
He said special interest groups of physically challenged, impaired and deaf students would also take the centre stage of the performances at the festivals.
The Kenya National Drama and Film Festivals Chairman, Kennedy Indimuli has said the ministry of education was keen to ensure that it follows up on student’s talent. Winners in various categories will be documented and their progress followed years after.
The Bungoma Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Michael Yator said security plans were up to standards to ensure the safety of all the participants who would be drawn from all the 47 counties.
This is the first time in the Kenyan history the festival is being held at a University.
By Maureen Imbayi/Roseland Lumwamu
