In a remarkable display of support for the arts and education, President William Ruto hosted the winners of the 95th Edition of the Kenya Music Festival on August 23, 2023. The festival, which took place over the past week at Dedan Kimathi University in Nyeri County, culminated in a grand celebration at the State House in Nakuru County. The President’s address outlined a visionary roadmap that promised to not only bolstered the creative talents of the nation but also addressed critical challenges in the education sector.

President Ruto began by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to education stakeholders and participants, underlining the importance of collaboration in shaping Kenya’s artistic and educational landscape. His announcement of the successfully resolved challenges with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) brought a sigh of relief to educators and parents alike. The President’s commitment to allocate Ksh1 billion for teacher promotion and the direct and indirect support of thousands of teachers reflected his understanding of the pivotal role teachers play in shaping the nation’s future.

Unveiling a record education budget for the year, President Ruto declared his administration’s dedication to improving the quality of education in Kenya. The announcement of 56,000 new teacher hires in January and July demonstrated his administration’s commitment to reducing the student-teacher ratio and enhancing the learning experience.

The President’s emphasis on nurturing talents showcased at the music festival resonated deeply with the creative community. His promise to provide training opportunities and scholarships to exceptional individuals affirmed his vision to create an environment where artistic prowess can flourish. He also stated his plans to establish music studios in each county in order to foster creativity at the grassroots level.

The President’s dedication to inclusivity by ensuring the participation of special needs children in talent programs exemplified his commitment to a diverse and equitable creative ecosystem. His reassurance of ongoing support for the school feeding program underscored his concern for the welfare of the youth, who form the foundation of Kenya’s progress.

In his address, President Ruto reiterated the undeniable role of education in Kenya’s development. His announcement of a restructured funding model for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs) and universities signified a strategic approach to preparing the youth for the demands of the modern job market.

President Ruto’s collaboration with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to reward well-performing teachers with promotions demonstrated his appreciation for their tireless efforts. This commitment to the advancement of education echoed throughout his speech, where he reiterated his plan to promote 5,000 teachers directly and 36,000 teachers indirectly this year.