Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu on Monday, April 15, declared that performing arts is now compulsory in the Competency Based Curriculum.
Speaking at Kangaru Girls High School in Embu County while officiating at the Kenya National Drama and Music Festival, Mr Machogu stressed that performing arts has been made part of the CBC and will be taught from pre-primary to tertiary institutions.
“We will even have learning materials in the CBC curriculum,” he said.
He further said that every single school will be expected to participate in the performing arts competition.
“Performing arts is not optional, it is compulsory and the government is taking the matter seriously,” he said.
He noted that Kenyan children are very talented in drama and music and they should be given the necessary support to exploit their talents.
“We are investing heavily in the performing arts to tap into the great potential we have in the country, we have great talent among our young people who can even make it to international competitions,” he said.
He noted that performance is getting better and children should be encouraged.
“We have seen a great improvement in performance compared to the last competition held in Mombasa and our children will go far,” he said.
The CS said the government is determined to ensure that the CBC succeeds for the benefit of the children and the progress of the country.
He said the government would recruit 20,000 more teachers to handle the CBC and build additional classrooms in primary schools to accommodate junior secondary school learners.
Machogu said Sh9 billion would be allocated this year for infrastructure development to create space for learners.
He said this money will be included in the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
“The NG-CDF will be increased so that MPs can use the funds to build enough classrooms for CBC learners,” he said.
He reiterated that the government has the capacity to ensure that CBC is implemented well and without problems.
The national event has attracted 23,0000 learning institutions from across the country.
On Tuesday, the event will be chaired by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua while on April 18, it will be hosted by President William Ruto.
The CS was thrilled to see children from various schools performing on stage.
He and other guests gave a standing ovation to the students of Friends Kamusinga High School for their excellent performance in their drama.
The students lamented the fact that pupils are so overburdened with extra homework that they have no time to rest, play and visit their grandparents during the holidays.
The performers said they were always under pressure to excel academically instead of having time to relax.
