The 63rd Kenya National Drama and Film Festival kicked off in Nakuru City on Monday April 7, 2025.
The official opening of the event was graced by Basic Education Principal Secretary Professor Julius Bitok as Chief Guest.
“Today, I had the honour of officially opening the 63rd Kenya National Drama and Film Festival in the dynamic city of Nakuru,” he stated.
The PS added that guided by the theme “Leveraging Technology to Nurture Talent while Inculcating National Values for Socio-economic Prosperity,” this year’s festival reaffirms Government’s deep commitment to using the creative arts as a powerful tool for education, innovation and nation-building.
This edition marks a new milestone as for the first time, the festival includes an international conference and an art exhibition, demonstrating Kenya’s growing responsiveness to global trends and dedication to expanding the creative space for learners across the country.
The PS was categorical that the Ministry is integrating performing arts into formal education.
“We are deliberately integrating performing arts into formal education, positioning them not just as extracurricular activities but as meaningful pathways to careers in the creative economy,” he said.
With supportive frameworks such as the Creative Economy Support Bill 2024 and the National Film Policy, the government is investing intentionally to grow this sector and empower the next generation of creators.
The PS used the moment to express his sincere appreciation to key partners including the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund, Equity Bank, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, the Communications Authority of Kenya, KUCCPS, and many others whose generous support has made this festival possible.
“Special thanks to Nakuru County for hosting this national celebration of talent, culture and innovation with such warmth and enthusiasm,” he stated.
He wished the participants a safe, inspiring and memorable experience throughout the festival adding that the future of Kenya’s creative economy holds great promise and that future is being shaped right in the host city of Nakuru.