Thrilling show at national music fest

Kenya Maritime Authority performs during the 93rd Edition of the Kenya National Music and Cultural Festival in Siaya. The event will close on December 3. [Isaiah Gwengi, Standard].

It was pomp and colour as the 93rd edition of the Kenya National Music and Cultural Festival entered the third day.

Vigorous traditional dances, featuring colourful costumes and good choreography marked the event at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, Siaya County.

Performances from colleges, universities, community culture groups, county governments and a parastatal lit up Hall One of the university, which was packed to the rafters.

The event was officially opened by Siaya Deputy Governor James Okumbe and Heritage Principal Secretary Josephta Mukobe.

The Jami Action Group from Kwale County left the audience begging for more with their energetic song and dance titled “Urime”, meaning let’s farm.

The traditional song talks about importance of farming in relation to food security.

Kenya Maritime Authority, which is the only parastatal performing in the one-week event, charged the crowd with traditional dances, lingala and gospel songs.

Vihiga County was represented by the only group of persons with disability performing at the event.

Speaking to the Saturday Standard, Vihiga County Deputy Director in the Department of Gender, John Khamala, said it is all about inclusivity.

“We must give persons with disability an opportunity not only in employment, but also in performing arts,” said Khamala.

The host institution, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, gave a presentation on President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big Four agenda, ‘Tunajivunia Big 4 Agenda’, which, according to the Vice Chancellor Prof Stephen Agong’, is in line with this year’s festival theme, ‘Peace and Reconciliation Towards Realising Sustainable Development Goals’.

Another notable team that performed on the third day, was Vihiga Drama Welfare Association – a group of unemployed P1 trained teachers, who have come together to eke out a living through performing arts.

The event, which began on Wednesday, ends on December 3, with more than 10 counties participating.