The Government has tightened security in all the venues where this year’s drama and film festival is taking place, Executive Secretary Kenya Drama and Music Festival James Indimuli has said.
He said the Ministry of Interior has deployed adequate personnel to beef up security in residential as well as venues where the event is taking place.
“We have not heard any incidence of insecurity and in any case the State Department for Interior has deployed adequate security in every village that the children are staying in is manned, said the Executive Secretary.
He said approximately 15,000 learners drawn from the primary to the university level are participating in the 2024 drama and film festivals.
Indimuli said the festival which kicked off on Monday this week will culminate at the State concert slated for Thursday next week.
He was speaking Tuesday at the Embu University in Embu County, where part of the festival is being held.
The Executive Secretary has at the same time emphasized that with the introduction of the competence based curriculum, the festival now plays a very significant role in the career progression of learners.
“The festival used to be a co-curricular activity, now it’s a curriculum activity because the performing arts is not just a talent area but a learning area in our new curriculum so learners in junior and senior school are going to be learning about film”, explained Indimuli.
He further pointed out that through drama festivities, learners from different regions are able to unite thus enhancing national unity.
“More than that it exposes and builds the confidence of the leaner to be able to express themselves”, added Indimuli.
He said the government has commenced monetizing talent to inspire the creative economy.
“We are saying it’s not just entertainment for entertainment sake it’s about talanta Hela. We want the artists and creatives to earn through their performances”, he said.
The 2024 theme of the festival is “Unlocking Opportunities for Social-Economic Transformation through Drama and Film”.
