The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
President William Ruto has directed the Ministry of Education to allocate Sh5 million to each school and institution that participated in the Kenya Music Festival State Concert held in Bungoma.
The President said the funding would help participating institutions improve facilities and infrastructure needed to support music, arts and other creative activities.
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Speaking during the State Concert on Friday, Ruto said the allocation was meant to recognise the dedication and talent demonstrated by students, teachers and institutions throughout the festival.
He said the funds would enable schools to strengthen the infrastructure required to nurture creative talent among learners.
Government to Support Students’ Preferred Courses
Ruto also said the government was working to reform higher education placement and funding to ensure students pursue courses they qualify for regardless of their parents’ financial circumstances.
He explained that the proposed system would connect student placement with financial support, reducing situations where learners are forced to change courses because they cannot afford their preferred programmes.
According to Ruto, students who qualify for courses such as medicine and engineering, as well as music, film and other creative disciplines, should be allowed to pursue their preferred careers.
“The student must do the course to which they have chosen, and they have the qualifications to do it, irrespective of whether their parents have the money for that course or not,” he said.
The President said the government was seeking to expand opportunities for young people to develop their talents while creating more pathways into employment.
Ruto Challenges Youth on Kenya’s Future
Ruto also urged young Kenyans to participate in discussions about the country’s development beyond 2030.
He encouraged the youth to contribute ideas on education, technology, employment opportunities and ways of identifying and rewarding talent.
He challenged young people to think beyond what the government could do for them and consider the contribution their generation could make to the country’s future.
More than 30 institutions, including universities, colleges and schools, took part in the festival. Ruto also noted that Kenyan students would participate in reciprocal cultural and educational engagements with institutions in Uganda.
1,000 Teachers Promoted
The President further highlighted the government’s recognition of teachers involved in creative activities.
He said the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) had promoted 1,000 teachers following an earlier commitment to recognise their contribution to nurturing talent.
Ruto said the move was part of efforts to change the perception of music and other creative disciplines, which have traditionally been regarded largely as extracurricular activities.
The government, he said, now views creative activities as an important pathway for talent development and future careers among Kenyan youth.
