Over 40 technical training institutions in Mt. Kenya Region have converged in Nyeri for this year’s regional drama and film festivals that are being held in the county for the first time.
The two-day festivals taking place at Dedan Kimathi University of Science and Technology have brought together national polytechnics, vocational training centers, private colleges and technical training institutions.
Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) chair in charge of Central Region Patrick Muchemi said winning teams will proceed to compete with other five regions at the national event scheduled to take place in Mombasa in April.
The winning teams during the national competition will proceed to perform in front of the President at the Mombasa State Lodge.
According to the organizers, nine categories are competing in the event including cultural creative dances, choral verses, dramatized choral verses, narratives, modern creative dances, drama and stand-up comedy.
Three teams according to Muchemi will be picked in each category which will proceed to the nationals based not just on positioning, but also on the content of the performance.
The theme of this year’s drama and film festivals is ‘Promoting Moral Responsibility in Society through Theatre and Film’.
And as the Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB) announced strict measures aimed at filtering inappropriate content in stage plays during the national drama festivals, the organizers said they have put all the necessary measure to ensure the performances meet the required ethical standards.
KATTI official and Samburu Technical and Vocational College Principal Ms. Lucy Mutembei said they had prior to the event, engaged with patrons and trainers to ensure their teams are aware of the content supposed to be presented.
“Part of the adjudication process is ensuring the items that go to the nationals are able to meet the required standards,” Mutembei said.
By Samuel Maina
