The 63rd edition of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival officially kicked off today in Nakuru, with Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Julius Bitok, presiding over the event. The festival, celebrated as a significant cultural and artistic gathering, aims to showcase Kenya’s creative talents and highlight the role of the arts in nation-building.
Under the theme “Leveraging Technology to Nurture Talent while Inculcating National Values for Socio-economic Prosperity,” this year’s festival emphasizes the importance of the creative industries as catalysts for education, innovation, and economic growth.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, PS Bitok reaffirmed the government’s commitment to using the arts as a key tool for development. "We believe in the power of the creative arts to not only entertain but also to educate and drive socio-economic progress. This festival is an opportunity to showcase the incredible talent across the nation and to inspire the next generation of creators," Bitok said.
For the first time in the festival's history, an international conference and an art exhibition have been introduced, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s growing engagement with global trends in the creative sector. The move reflects the government's determination to provide more opportunities for local talent to interact with international platforms and expand their horizons.
The Ministry of Education has also been working to integrate performing arts into formal education, ensuring that they are seen not just as extracurricular activities, but as legitimate career paths. PS Bitok highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to develop supportive frameworks for the creative economy, such as the Creative Economy Support Bill 2024 and the National Film Policy, which are aimed at empowering young creators and fueling the growth of the sector.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to our key partners, including the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund, Equity Bank, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, the Communications Authority of Kenya, and KUCCPS, whose support has been invaluable in making this festival a success,” Bitok added.
Special thanks were also extended to Nakuru County for hosting this year’s festival, which has brought together participants from across the country to celebrate talent, culture, and innovation.
To the participants, PS Bitok offered his best wishes, encouraging them to embrace the experience and make the most of the opportunities the festival offers. “The future of Kenya’s creative economy holds great promise, and this future is being shaped right here in Nakuru,” he concluded.
As the festival continues, it promises to be a significant event for both participants and the wider community, reinforcing the importance of creativity in Kenya’s socio-economic development.
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