Clare Waridi of Moi Education Centre, Nairobi plays a Violin during the 98th Kenya Music Festival at Kibabii University on August 2, 2026 . [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]
Day one of the 2026 National Kenya Music Festival has set stage for learners to showcase artistic excellence, demonstrate leadership, confidence and teamwork through music and dance.
This is as more than 140,000 learners from all 47 counties converged for the annual festival in a two weeks-long competition got underway at Kibabii University in Bungoma.
Performances by kindergarten and junior primary learners across 14 performance halls opened the floor, nurturing communication, responsibility and leadership skills among young performers.
Individual talent came to the fore during classical instrumental performances with Clare Waridi from Moi Education Centre Nairobi impressed adjudicators in the Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass Intermediate Own Choice category for primary schools, showcasing technical mastery of the four bowed string instruments.
The school also participated in beginner, intermediate and advanced instrumental classes categories.
Particularly outstanding was the school's intermediate violinist, who qualified for the national competition after finishing first at the sub-county and county levels before placing second during the regional competition.
Her achievement reflected months of discipline and mentorship under teachers Migeni Beatrice, Doreen Magara, Lilian Otieno and Samuel Rutoh, with support from Principal Paul Rotich, Deputy Principal Kingoo and Moses Maneno.