President William Ruto on Friday hosted participants of the 64th Kenya National Drama and Film Festival for a special concert at State House, Nairobi, in a show of government support for the creative sector.
The colorful event brought together students, teachers, and artists from across the country, showcasing top performances that had excelled during this year’s national competitions. The festival continues to serve as a key platform for nurturing talent.
Performances staged at State House reflected a mix of cultural expression, contemporary themes, and bold storytelling, with participants addressing social issues, governance, and youth aspirations through drama, film, and spoken word pieces.
President Ruto praised the young creatives for their originality and courage, noting that the arts play a critical role in shaping national identity and driving conversations around societal change and development.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in the creative economy, describing it as a viable source of employment for thousands of young Kenyans with skills in performance, production, and digital storytelling.
The Head of State emphasized the need to integrate arts more strongly into education, arguing that talent development should go hand in hand with academic achievement to prepare students for a competitive and evolving job market.
Teachers and organizers lauded the recognition from the presidency, saying the State House invitation was a morale boost to participants who often work with limited resources to produce high-quality performances.
The Kenya National Drama and Film Festival has over the years produced some of the country’s most celebrated actors, filmmakers, and media personalities, cementing its place as a cornerstone of Kenya’s artistic growth.
Friday’s concert marked a significant highlight of this year’s festival, underscoring the growing acknowledgment of creative arts as both a cultural pillar and an economic driver in Kenya’s development agenda.
