Nurture finalists talent after music festival,Governor Lee says
Organizers of the Kenya Music Festival have been urged to nurture the talents of the finalists at the National music festival even after the event is concluded.
While officially opening the festival at Kabarak University, Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui said it was unfortunate that the acts were forgotten soon after the festival ended.
“I have challenged the Chairperson of the Kenya Music Festival Mr. Peter Wanjohi to further train the finalists and help them use their talents beyond the music festival,” Governor Kinyanjui said.
Citing an example of Hollywood in the United States of America, the Governor said there are economies that are purely run on arts and music.
“The music industry, like other industries, is capable of creating employment and sustaining the talents of the youth,” he said.
At the same time, Governor Kinyanjui commended the organizers for coming up with a very timely theme, ‘Enhancing National Unity, Cohesion and Integration’, which he said reflects the agenda of the Nation in seeking regional unity in East Africa.
The County boss was joined by Deputy Governor Dr. Eric Korir, Kabarak Vice-Chancellor Professor Henry Kiplagat and the Chairperson of Kenya Music Festival Mr. Peter Wanjohi.
In his remarks, Mr. Wanjohi said the 93rd Kenya Music Festival brings together 130,000 participants and will run from 3rd August to 15th August.
“On the first day we received 16,000 participants and we expect more as the festival goes on,” he said.
He also assured parents of the safety of the children saying there were security personnel at the festival grounds as well as the ‘villages’ where the children were sleeping.
“We have made sure that all the students sleep at a 20km radius from the venue to ease transport to and from Kabarak University,” Mr. Wanjohi added.
RiftValley Regional Commissioner Mr. George Natembeya, who was also present asked school bus drivers to adhere to the 6 am to 6 pm rule and avoid clashing with the traffic police officers.
“I also urge the public to cooperate with the security agencies at the venue and allow to be frisked to ensure safety for our children,” he added.