The 2025 Regional Music Festivals have started, and the Ministry of Education has recorded an increase in the number of students participating in the Junior Primary section compared to last year.

Speaking during the official opening of the festival at Moi Forces Academy, Juja Road, on July 1, 2025, Nairobi County’s Regional Director of Education Victoria Muoka emphasised the varied roles of music festivals, saying they are not only for entertainment but also a powerful medium for emotional expression, communication, and preservation of cultural heritage.

Muoka praised the learners’ talent and teamwork and encouraged those who made it to the regional level to continue competing up to the national level.

“This is a truly great activity where we’ll witness the talents, creativity, collaboration, and teamwork of our learners. Every team here is the best from their respective sub-counties, and we anticipate even greater performances from the top contenders,” she said.

Muoka commended the collaborative efforts of the heads of institutions, teachers, and coaches who have worked tirelessly to nurture talents and prepare the learners for success.

“Without the dedication of our teachers, these performances wouldn’t be possible. Some of them even practised across different schools. To our coaches, thank you for the time, commitment, and effort you invested,” she added.

She emphasised that the festival goes beyond just showcasing talent; it also preserves culture and serves as a platform for healing and joy.

“Music is a form of medicine. It soothes, expresses joy, and carries powerful messages about our past and identity. We hope to learn from the performances and keep our heritage alive.”

Notable increase

The festival’s significance has grown in recent years, and 2025 has marked a notable increase in participation, especially among younger learners.

According to Pamela Mang’oli, Chairperson of the Kenya Music Festival Nairobi region, the event has expanded due to overwhelming interest.

“Last year, junior primary was just being introduced to the festival, but this year we’ve extended performances from three days to five,” said Mang’oli.

Mang’oli emphasised the critical importance of this year’s insurance-focused theme, especially given its alignment with the Competency-Based Curriculum.

Other corporate partners like Equity Bank have also stepped up to support the festival, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing talent and promoting financial literacy.

Mary Mungai, Equity Bank’s Nairobi Regional General Manager, highlighted the bank’s multi-faceted partnership with the festival.

“We are delighted to witness such incredible talent. Many successful individuals today started out in music festivals like this. These platforms build confidence and open doors,” said Mungai.

She added that Equity Bank is focused not only on nurturing talent but also on helping learners and their families achieve financial stability.

The regional competition will be held in Moi Forces Academy and at Jamuhuru High School.

“We want to help secure lives through education, mentorship, and financial products such as insurance. This year’s theme, ‘Secure lives, healthy lives, and wealth created through nice health and well-being’ reflects what we stand for. Too often, we insure our cars but forget to insure our lives. That needs to change,” she explained.

Mungai also recognised the changing landscape of creative careers, encouraging youth to embrace modern platforms.

“Today, young people are monetising talent through platforms like TikTok. We are here to support them from financial planning to helping finance the tools they need. The dream of becoming a musician is now viable and rewarding.”

The festival will run for five days.