The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Kenya) has thrown its full weight behind the government’s decision to regulate school drama and film festivals.

In a strongly worded press statement released on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, COTU said the new guidelines will protect learners from political exploitation.

Francis Atwoli, Secretary General of COTU (K), signed the statement. He made it clear that the union supports the revised 2026 Kenya National Drama and Film Festival Performance Guidelines.

“We have taken note that a majority of our members have raised issues around the use and misuse of their children by some political actors who seek to achieve political scores through these innocent children,” the statement reads.

COTU praised the government for taking action to control the content of plays performed by schoolchildren. The union stressed that it does not oppose creative arts. Instead, it wants to stop people from abusing these platforms.

“In supporting this move, we do not negate the critical role that creative arts play in nurturing talent, critical thinking, and self-expression among young people,” the statement continued. “But such platforms must not be abused to advance political agendas at the expense of the welfare and development of learners.”

Union warns against politicised plays

The union pointed out that some plays now push political messages, propaganda, and even ridicule public institutions. It said external actors often write these scripts and push learners into them. COTU declared that it stands firmly against this growing trend.

“We are firmly opposed to the growing trend where learners are drawn into politically charged narratives, often crafted and driven by external actors, thereby exposing them to manipulation and exploitation,” the statement said.

The union warned that such practices turn schools into sites of political fighting rather than places for learning. It also expressed deep worry about the type of themes appearing in recent years.

“Some plays, over the years, have increasingly adopted themes that are divisive, deceptive, and disruptive, with little regard for the psychological well-being and academic progression of the learners involved,” it noted.

COTU described attempts to turn students into political activists under the cover of art as “both inappropriate and unacceptable.”As a workers’ body that fights for children’s rights, the union called on everyone involved to back the new rules.

“COTU (K) calls upon all key players, including teachers, parents, school administrators, and festival organisers, to fully support and implement these guidelines,” the statement concluded.

COTU’s backing comes amid the 2025 drama involving Butere Girls and the state. The school claimed that it was denied a chance to stage its play despite advancing to the national levels. This led to protests and uproar from a section of political leaders and the general public.

The Echoes of War was closely linked to DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, an avid critic of the government of the day.