Students to make money from music and drama events, says KICD boss
By Irene.Githinji, November 27, 2023
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) is in the process of monetising performances showcased during music and drama festivals.
KICD Chief Executive Officer Charles Ong’ondo said they had created a special account where the proceeds are credited.
He made the revelation during a five-day training workshop for Kenya National Drama and Film Festival (KNDFF) trainers and adjudicators.
“One of the key functions of KICD is to document, disseminate and preserve the produced items, including drama and film and music festivals for posterity and now, monetise the different genres for economic benefits of our learners and producers,” said Ong’ondo during the workshop at Nakuru Boys High School.
During this year’s gala concert for Kenya National Drama and Film Festival in August, President William Ruto directed KICD to digitize talent showcased in the festivals by developing a YouTube channel to sell content.
Ong’ondo, however, urged parents and teachers not allow minors to watch films that are not approved by KICD.
Kenya film and TV industry remains unexploited, with the sector having the potential to create 20 million jobs and generate US dollars 20 billion in revenue annually.
“KICD takes cognizance of the vision and mission of the Competency Based Curriculum which are to nurture every learner’s potential and have engaged, empowered and ethical citizens in the 21st century,” said Ong’ondo.
The Talanta Hela initiative is a platform aimed at revolutionising the creative space into a mega industry and promote all forms of national and cultural expressions in the country by seeking to identify, recruit, nurture, market, and monetise talents in various fields.
“The Basic and Tertiary Education and Training should provide relevant skills to promote the identification, nurturing, and innovation of the industry for social and economic prosperity,” he said.
In CBC, Performing Arts, Drama, and Film are learning areas under Arts and Sports Science pathway as captured in the Basic Education Curriculum Framework 2017.
“Drama and Music community produces items that are curriculum in nature, helping learners to learn, entertain, and educate,” said Ong’ondo.