Creative energy takes centre stage as drama festival opens in Nakuru

Kaaga Girls from Eastern Province perform their play Vinyago during the 63rd edition of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival at Melvin Jones School in Nakuru on April 7, 2025. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

This year's National Drama and Film Festival kicks off today at Afraha High School in Nakuru. The festival will be a creative highlight of Term One, focusing on arts and storytelling.

National Chairman, Kenya National Drama and Film Festival, Prof Christopher Odhiambo, says that this year's activities will be a culmination of drama, film, conferences, art exhibition, and tree planting.

"Besides performances, this year's event will also host international conferences on drama and film with keynote speakers drawn from our local universities, Nigeria, and South Africa," Prof Ojiambo noted.

During the 12 days, learners will also have a chance to attend a masterclass of different forms of art and drama as well as showcase poetry.

"The students will have a chance to be trained by experts in different fields during the masterclass. Tree planting is also an activity that has been embedded in the program where learners will be engaging in tree planting activities," Prof Odhiambo added.

Learners from the lowest level of education to the highest levels will also have a chance to showcase their works of art in the art galleries that will be opened to the public.

Principal Secretary, State Department for Basic Education, Prof Julius Bitok will officiate the opening ceremony at Afraha High School.

The Kenya National Drama and Film Festival has, for a long time, served as a launchpad for young creatives, with many participants going on to influence the entertainment, media, and creative arts industries in Kenya.

The festivals will culminate in a State concert on April, 18 where top performances and winning productions will be showcased at State House in Nakuru.