By TWV Education Correspondent
The Kenya Music Festival (KMF) has received a major boost after the School Equipment Production Unit (SEPU) committed to sponsoring key segments of this year’s edition, marking a strategic collaboration between science and the arts. The event will be held from August 3rd to 14th in Meru.
Widely recognised as the largest cultural event of its kind in East and Central Africa, the KMF attracts more than three million participants annually, drawn from educational institutions across the country. With over 600 competitive categories spanning music, dance, and elocution, the festival serves not only as a celebration of artistic talent but also as a platform for shaping social values and addressing contemporary societal issues among the youth.
SEPU’s sponsorship is being lauded as a bold and timely intervention, injecting a much-needed infusion of science and innovation into the nation’s premier artistic showcase. The agency, which plays a pivotal role in enhancing practical learning through the provision of educational equipment, is championing original choral compositions in junior and secondary school categories.
- Under the overarching festival theme, “Enhancing the Creative Economy through Artistic Expression for Sustainable Development,” SEPU is sponsoring two critical categories:
- Category 364 (Junior School): Original Composition of Choral Music – Operationalising SEPU Enabled Integrated Science
- Category 464 (Secondary School): Original Composition of Choral Music – SEPU, Paving the Pathway, STEM
According to Mr Ronny Katamo of SEPU, the initiative is designed to deepen learners’ understanding of scientific principles through the lens of music. “Music is a powerful medium for communication and expression. By integrating themes of science and STEM into choral compositions, we aim to inspire a new generation of learners to appreciate the practical applications of these subjects and to see themselves as future contributors to Kenya’s creative and scientific economy,” he said.
The junior school category invites pupils to explore how integrated science – a cornerstone of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) – can be operationalised through SEPU’s support. The compositions are expected to highlight how science education can become tangible and accessible when supported by practical resources.
At the secondary level, students are encouraged to compose pieces that celebrate the transformative role of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in national development. The theme challenges participants to reflect on how SEPU’s tools and programmes are helping lay the foundation for a generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
Mr Katamo emphasised that SEPU’s collaboration with the Kenya Music Festival aligns with the government’s broader vision of integrating education, creativity, and sustainability. “This partnership underscores our commitment to enriching the educational landscape in Kenya by providing quality equipment and fostering innovative learning approaches,” he added.
As schools prepare for the national stage of the festival, the spotlight on categories 364 and 464 continues to grow. Beyond mere performance, these presentations promise to offer a harmonious blend of creativity and intellectual exploration, underscoring the festival’s evolving role in promoting holistic education in Kenya.
