‘Don’t Build Hotels, Invest in Young School Talents,’ DP Ruto Orders Communications Authority of Kenya at 2019 Drama Festival Gala.
The 2019 Kenya National Drama and Film Festival KNDFF climaxed with the finest of talents performing at the Gala. The 2019 Gala was held at Kibabii University in Bungoma County. The event was graced by his Excellency the Deputy President William Ruto on behalf of the President who was out of the country for other official duties.
A written speech by president and read by his Deputy, acknowledged KNDFF as one of the greatest Theatre Event in Africa. The president congratulated teachers in nurturing and preparing the young talents for the festival.
MoE to establish a fully-fledged Talent Center of Art
The president hinted that the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture was in the process of establishing a fully-fledged Talent Center of Art.
He further noted that entertainment can still be done without violence, vulgar language and immorality, a stance propagated by Ezekiel Mutua’s Kenya Film and Classification Board.
In his own speech, DP Ruto wondered why Kenyans are still watching ‘Magic and Witchcrafts’ when there is plenty of art talent in the country.
The DP continued his address with an order to Communications Authority of Kenya CAK. He asked CAK to channel their resources to the young Kenyans.
“Don’t build hotels, invest in the young talents,” ordered DP Ruto. He said this will help in creating employment opportunities and enterprises for the young generation.
Prof. Magoha, Education CS, was ordered to mobilize all stakeholders and with his counterpart Joe Mucheru, ICT CS, to come up with a ‘Talent Utilization Plan’ within 30 days. The comprehensive plan should clearly outline how to turn talents into opportunities for jobs and commerce in the Entertainment industry.
Over 90,000 Teachers to Train on CBC Curriculum from April and Subsequent School Holidays
The DP directed the Ministry of Education and TSC to speed up in actualizing the teacher training in the new competency based Curriculum CBC. He added that the curriculum was vital in tapping and growing students’ talents.
The training of teachers is expected commence this April and be carried in subsequent school holidays.
According to Ruto, roll out of the new CBC curriculum will be faster when all learners, teachers, parents and stakeholders are continually sensitized.
The Ministry was further urged to reach out to more East Africa Community EAC partner states to enhance the performing Arts industry. Kenya and Uganda are currently collaboration on Music Dance and Drama MDD Festival.
2019 Kenya Drama and Film Festival Sponsors Appreciated
The Kenya Film and Classification Board KFCB, Population Survey Kenya, Communications Authority of Kenya CAK and Safaricom were 2019 KNDFF major Sponsors. The sponsors were applauded by the DP Ruto, Education Cs and KNDFF Chairman. They were asked to continue in supporting the identification and development of talents in the country.