Kirinyaga polytechnics put skills and talent on display at 2026 County Music Festivals

Kaitheri County Polytechnic has won the Kirinyaga 2026 Vocational Training Centres Music Festivals whose curtains came down on Friday.

The polytechnic dominated the festival across all categories, followed by Ndiriti Vocational Training Centre in second place and Kiambatha Vocational Training Centre in third.

The one-day event, held under the theme “Music and Skills for Sustainable Development,” brought together hundreds of students from 16 polytechnics in a vibrant showcase of talent, creativity and technical excellence.

Hundreds of young trainees took to the stage at Kerugoya Catholic Church for the music festival with captivating performances ranging from choral verses, solo presentations and cultural dances. The performances did not only keep the audience entertained but also was used as a platform to address key societal issues, including illicit alcohol abuse and the protection of the girl child.

Speaking during the event, County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Cooperatives, Trade, Tourism, Marketing, Industrialization and Enterprises Development, Calbert Njeru, lauded the initiative, noting the County Government’s commitment to nurturing both talent and skills among the youth.

“Her Excellency the Governor is very much committed to see that talent development and skills are appreciated. There is enough space for everyone who is doing the best. In this life, you can never go down if you are doing your best,” he said.

Njeru further highlighted the county’s support systems, noting that an empowerment fund has been set aside to support skilled youth.

“The Governor has set an empowerment fund to ensure that those who acquire skills are supported and do not go back to the village,” he said.

He emphasized the economic value of vocational training and creative arts.

“All these skills are very, very marketable, music is a tool for awareness and a powerful avenue for social change,” he added.

Acting Chief Officer for Education Rose Wanjiru Wachira, said the festival was designed to give every trainee an opportunity to showcase their unique talent beyond the classroom.

“The main aim of this festival is to ensure that all our students from the 16 vocational training centres are given an opportunity to showcase and express their talents,” she said.

She noted that the initiative goes beyond technical training to nurture individual abilities.

“Beyond skills development, we want each of them to feel recognized and appreciated for the unique talents that God has given them,” she added.

Wachira reaffirmed the county’s commitment to the programme and support for participants.

“The Governor is fully committed to this initiative and will not hold back resources in support of it, and selected participants will proceed to the national level,” she said.

Kaitheri Polytechnic Principal Lawrence Mugo highlighted the importance of the platform in exposing trainees to wider opportunities.

“We have 16 polytechnics represented here, showcasing talent under the theme of music and skills for sustainable development, I want to thank our Governor for making it possible for trainees to have this opportunity to showcase their skills in music,” he added.

Mugo noted that such forums play a key role in broadening students’ horizons.

“This forum exposes them to the outside world and helps them excel beyond their vocational training,” he said.

The highlight of the festival was Kaitheri Polytechnic’s stellar performance, scoring 93 percent in the African choral verse, which focused on raising awareness on the dangers of illicit alcohol. They also scored 89 percent in both solo verse categories and 86 percent in the folk dance, themed on celebrating Kikuyu culture.

Victoria Musembi, a student from Kaitheri Polytechnic and winner in the choral verse category, expressed her excitement and reflected on the journey.

“Today I’m proud and I can’t take this opportunity for granted. It hasn’t been easy; it has been a long journey exploiting our talents,” she said.

She termed the festival transformative and encouraged fellow youth to embrace their talents.

The strong performance by Kirinyaga polytechnics continues to reflect their growing excellence at higher levels. During last year’s National Music Festivals, Kaitheri Polytechnic excelled by securing first position in Kikuyu Folksong, Kikuyu Folk Dance and Sacred Folksong, while also finishing second in the Twaijivunia Kenya special composition and third in Oral African Language (Irebeta).

Kabingoti Polytechnic also performed impressively at the national stage, clinching second position in Sacred Folksong, further cementing Kirinyaga’s reputation as a hub for both talent and technical training.

The festivals continue to serve as a platform for identifying and nurturing talent, with top performers expected to represent Kirinyaga County at the national level, showcasing not only their artistic abilities but also the strength of vocational training in shaping well-rounded, empowered youth.