Kedowa Special School for the Deaf perform during Kenya Music Festival held at Kibabii University, Bungoma on August 5, 2026. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]
Learners with disabilities have used the 98th Kenya Music Festival national edition to champion inclusive education.
Through music, elocution and dance the performers are calling for greater investment in assistive technologies, accessible learning environments and equal opportunities that will enable them to fully participate in education and society.
The festival, which has placed Special Needs Education (SNE) at the heart of this year's celebrations, has become more than a platform for artistic competition.
It has evolved into a national conversation on disability inclusion, creativity and the need to unlock the potential of learners living with disabilities through Competency-Based Education (CBE).
Throughout the competitions, learners with hearing impairment, visual impairment, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectually Disabled and other disabilities showcased remarkable talent through Kenya Sign Language performances, choral verses, dances and musical compositions while appealing for schools to become more inclusive.
The classes included Visual Impaired for primary schools in original composition, attracting schools like Kambui H.I, and Murang'a H.I from Central region, Kuja Special school, Nyanza, Nyangweso, Nyanza region, and Mwikhom Special School from Western region.
In the Choral verse category, Thika V.I, Likoni V.I, Kibos, Koyonzo Special School, Emining Special School among others.