School feeding programme gets Sh2b boost

By George Orido

Children from drought-hit areas had a reason to smile after President Kibaki announced a Sh2 billion injection into the school feeding programme.

"The feeding programme will continue even this school holiday in the most affected areas," he announced.

President Kibaki is entertained by winners of this year’s Kenya Music Festival at State House Nairobi, Monday. [PHOTO: COLLINS KWEYU/STANDARD]

He also announced that the Government was using military and National Youth Service trucks to step-up transportation of relief supplies.

"This will ensure that food reaches those hardest hit by current famine," he said.

The President congratulated Kenyans of goodwill who provided material support to help drought victims.

Copyright

The President has at the same time called on the Kenya Copyright Board and other relevant agencies to ensure strict enforcement of copyright laws in music and the performing arts.

He urged Kenyans to promote and reward creativity of local artists by buying original music.

"Buying local original music will help empower our artistes to move to the next level of success," he stated.

President Kibaki was addressing hundreds of students and teachers Monday during the State House concert that saw winners of this years Kenya Schools and Colleges Music Festivals present songs, dances and singing games.

He emphasised the importance of arts as a source of income and employment besides its traditional role as a medium of communication.

The Head of State also asked television stations in the country to increase local content in their programming and stressed the need to present high quality content that would have positive impact in imperting national values.

Performances

Earlier, the Head of State watched Gilgil Academy from Rift Valley present a singing game — Western style — that showcased how kindergarten children learn from singing and playing. Ruaraka Primary School presented an item, Patriotism, that described Kenya as the best gift God gave its citizens.

They urged Kenyans to guard their patriotism jealously by electing visionary leaders.

Obera Boys from Nyanza entertained guests with their Luo folk song Lando Jaber accompanied by orutu instruments.

Students of Outering Secondary School, Nairobi, perform a Borana dance at Kenya Music Festival bonanza at State House Nairobi, Monday.[PHOTO: COLLINS KWEYU/STANDARD]

A Kikuyu circumcision song from Juvenalis Primary School from Central showed how young men are initiated into adulthood ready to serve the nation.

Patriotism

St Bakhita Loyo Primary School took to the stage with a Turkana folk song that exalted peace and harmony between neighbours.

Erusui Girls from Western presented Mirror on the Wall – a verse on the ‘Wings to Fly’ scholarship programme.

Moi Girls Nairobi got a standing ovation for presenting Tshala Mwana’s hit Dezo Dezo.

And Booker Academy entertained guests with a Scotish dance. Kenyatta University’s Negro Spiritual took the audience to a solemn moment.

In total 26 groups performed in the colourful afternoon that was covered live on national television for the first time ever by state broadcaster KBC.

Festival Chairman thanked First Lady Lucy Kibaki or her love for music by establishing the State House Choir that performed two numbers.

Kenya Music Festival Chairman Caleb Okumu thanked all sponsors including the title sponsors Mumias Sugar and Equity Bank.