Outgoing Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha yesterday called for commercialisation of talent development among students to promote national growth aspirations.

 Prof Magoha said through nurturing of  talents the learners can be prepared to be future job creators in the society. Consequently, he recommended that the new government prioritises development of talents among the students through school co-curriculum activities as a way of growing the creative industry.

 As such, he said the learners should be nurtured to pursue their talents and not to restrict themselves to exam oriented learning. “Our children must now consider focusing on how they can use their talents as a way of creating jobs rather than just studying to sit for the final exams,” he said.

Getting platforms

 Speaking when he opened the ongoing 94th Kenya Music Festival (KMF) in Kisumu town on Monday, Magoha underscored the role played by music in nurturing the talent of learners across the country. The minister noted that through the annual music festival many students were getting platforms to grow their talent.

 Similarly, he said the festival has enabled to achieve certain goals of education including ensuring national unity and appreciation of the diverse cultures in Kenya.

  “In the build-up to this festival, the enormous potential and talent amongst our youth and the dedication of our teachers has been quite evident. We have also seen an industry that is bubbling with life. This is a testament to the robust creative industry in our country which if well harnessed, will be the next big source of job creation,” said Magoha.

 He added: “Music is more than just a school activity; it is life. We perform music as we work, eat, plant and as we celebrate happy or sad occasions. That is why we have sustained this Festival.”

 Further, the CS stressed the need to inculcate culture in the various local communities to enhance diversity and cohesion.

 He observed that some communities were on the verge of losing their way of life because the young generation is not properly introduced to their culture. “We must think of going back to our culture and music is one way to keep culture alive,” he said.  Magoha was accompanied by Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, his deputy Mathews Owili and KMF national chairman Peter Wanjohi among other leaders.

 The week-long event with the theme “Kenya, My Pride, My Future”, has brought together over 130,000 participants from pre-primary school, primary and secondary schools, technical institutions and universities.

Wanjohi said the event, which was delayed by recent Covid-19 pandemic effects, has attracted 600 competitive items with more participants drawn from public schools.

The festival, which runs between September 17 and 25, is being held in four venues, Kisumu Girls High school, Kisumu Boys High school, Arya primary and M.M Shah primary schools.