Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology has hosted the 4th edition of The Kenya Universities Performing Arts Association (KUPAA) National Universities Drama, Beauty Pageant and Visual Arts Festivals. The Festival themed, “Shaping Societal Development Through Performing Arts” was officially opened by the outgoing Principal Secretary, State Department for University Education and Research, Ambassador Simon Nabukwesi.
While giving his opening remarks, the PS thanked all the sponsors who participated in the Festival noting that it not only takes dexterous effort but also support from partners. He said this showed that Universities have matured to handle and nurture art and talent independently, breaking away from the National Drama Festivals which has been running for decades. “Through this, young people are able to showcase their talent and inculcate National Values”, said Ambassador Nabukwesi.
Adding to this, The Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Agong’ acknowledged that well nurtured talent in vastly contributing to the industry. He went on to say that this has been a learning curve for him, giving an indication that students have shown the possibility of learning and perfecting their craft to an extent of exceeding their trainers.
The 10-day festivity marked the fourth edition of the KUPAA National Drama festivals, bringing together over thirty Universities across the country, housing a total of 228 performances.
The closing ceremony was specially graced by Hon. Ababu-Namwamba, EGH, The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts, who represented His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, the President of the Republic of Kenya.
While giving his remarks, the Cabinet Secretary expressed his delight in being on the grounds of a university named after one of the founding fathers and heroes who gave the country power to identify as an independent sovereign state, praising the appropriateness of the idea the festival being birthed at JOOUST, as the late Jaramogi rallied for Pan Africanism and cultural renaissance.
He went on to relay His Excellency the President’s speech saying that for the first time in the architecture of the government, there was a whole Department dedicated to the arts in Kenya through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts. “You can now rest assured that you have a home, courtesy of The President, His Excellency, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, who has found it worthy to dedicate a whole department in charge of the Arts and our creatives industry.”
The CS reiterated the Government’s commitment to grow the Creative industry as a key driver of Kenya’s economy, following the recent Kenya-South Africa co-production Agreement.
While echoing these sentiments, outgoing Permanent Secretary, State Department of University Education and Research, Ambassador Simon Nabukwesi, added that he was looking forward to KUPAA bringing together both Private and Public Universities.
As the host, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Agong’ also thanked the Government for its incentive to support and nurture art and talent among the Kenyan Youth.
The Chairman, KUPAA Mr. Bonface Isalambo also expressed gratitude saying that this marked a new dawn for KUPAA as it solely depended on corporate funding from sponsorships.
This fourth edition, featured new entries such as Puppetry, Visual Arts and Beauty Pageantry, upon which Mr. Darius Abala and Ms. Fiona Makena from Multimedia University were crowned Mr. and Miss KUPAA respectively.
JOOUST bagged several awards including the best overall actress given to Ms. Grace Adonai, from the School of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences. The University also garnered 1st runners up positions in the categories of legislative play and indigenous play.
Notable sponsors during the Festival were, National Syndemic Diseases Control Council. KCB Bank Group, Marie Stopes Kenya, Safaricom, and Kenya Film Commission.
EXTERNAL RELATED ARTICLES:
https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/realtime/2022-11-13-government-to-fund-university-performing-arts-festivals-ababu/
https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/4th-edition-of-universities-arts-festivals-kick-off/
https://nation.africa/kenya/life-and-style/culture/universities-converge-in-siaya-for-drama-festival-4012806
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