Spelling Bee show to premier on KTN Home

Standard Group CEO Orlando Lyomu (centre) with, from left, I&M Head of Foundation James Gatere, Crown Paints Head of Marketing Laura Wekesa, DPL Festive Human Resource Manager Lilian Oyata, Kenya National Spelling Bee Managing Director Kennedy Odoyo, Sai Office Supplies Limited Head of Corporate Ray Mpariwa and DT Dobie Sales & Marketing Director Alexander Helfritz, during the signing of a partnership agreement for the 2019 Kenya National Spelling Bee championship. [David Njaaga, Standard]

A national competition for school children to showcase their spelling abilities will be aired by the country's premier television station, KTN Home, from next month.

This follows the signing of a partnership agreement between the Kenya National Spelling Bee (KNSB) and Sai Office Supplies Limited to host the competition.

The Standard Group has been selected as the exclusive media partner for the show.

KNSB Managing Director Kennedy Odoyo said the competition targeted learners from Standard Four to Standard Eight. At least 142 children countrywide are expected to participate.

“It will be an exciting platform for the children to showcase their talents. The show will have 16 episodes to be aired in 16 weeks and it is designed to provide learners with an opportunity to read selected content in preparation for the championship,” Mr Odoyo said.

He said the winning school would get a brand new bus from DT Dobie.

Compete globally

The MD said the championship would push learners to compete globally, adding that a school child from Nyeri was recently selected to compete in South Africa.

The Standard Group Chief Executive Officer Orlando Lyomu said the company was glad to partner with other firms in transforming the country through education.

“The Spelling Bee TV show is a means to create awareness and build a fan base. It will sensitise Kenyans on what the Spelling Bee phenomenon is all about and give viewers a feel of what happens in the actual competition," said Mr Lyomu.

He said the spelling championship would build confidence and skills in the children and enable them to realise their potential and talents.

"It takes courage for these children to do amazing work. As a media partner, we cannot do it alone, but we believe in partnerships with other organisations to explore the potential of these children."

The CEO urged the show's partners to push for more schools to participate, including those children from remote parts of the country.

KNSB has also partnered with media agency Creative VMLY&R for media buying opportunities.

Other organisations that have sponsored the show include DPL Festive, KenAfric Industries, Veda, Crown Paints, DT Dobie and I&M Bank Foundation.