Photo/Jubilant Mount Kenya University students raise some of the trophies won at the 98th Kenya National Music Festival at kibabii University, Bungoma county. Photo: Courtesy
By James Wakahiu
Mount Kenya University (MKU)’s creative arts groups have once again proven its dominance at the Kenya National Music Festivals, delivering a sterling impressive performance that yielded an impressive tally of 19 overall positions.
The institution also took 25 second-place finishes and 14 third-place positions. The university’s choirs and verse teams were virtually untouchable across major categories, from gospel pop adaptations to specialised compositions, cementing MKU’s reputation as a powerhouse in artistic excellence.
Photo/Mount Kenya University choir and brass band performs the winning “zilizo pendwa class’ with live instruments at the 98th kenya music festival held at Kibabii University, Bungoma County. Photo: Courtesy
The university choir showcased exceptional talent, securing top honours in the “Zilizo Pendwa” category with live instruments, along with wins for adaptation and arrangement of popular gospel pop tunes, winning pop secular tunes from Kenya “Zinazovuma”. The also topped in a special composition sponsored by Equity Group that earned a prize of Sh100,000.
The MKU team also claimed victory in the Office of the Data Protection Commission sponsored class and were placed third in the Central Bank of Kenya sponsored set piece bagging Sh50,000.
Not to be outdone, the Verses team added to the medal haul with wins in the Special Composition for the Communication Authority and a Special Composition on Tuberculosis sponsored by Amref Kenya. They won the French verse, among others
The Dean of Students, Dr. Emmanuel Awour, said the team had “exceeded his expectations,” offering his congratulations and best wishes. Team leaders Tracy Mulindi and Brillian Ochieng’, overwhelmed with emotions, attributed their success to divine guidance, patience, and sacrifice. “Through God, our sacrifices have paid off,” she stated, reflecting on the rigorous rehearsal process.
Photo/Jubilant Mount Kenya University students in celebration with trophies won at the 98th Kenya National Music Festival at kibabii University, Bungoma county. Photo; Courtesy
The 98th Kenya National Music Festival is being held at Kibabii University in Bungoma County from August 7 to 14th, 2026. The theme for this year’s event is “Enhancing the Creative Economy through Knowledge, Skills and Artistic Production for Sustainable Development’’.
‘‘The collective effort by MKU underscores the depth of talent within MKU’s creative arts department,’’ noted Mr. William Luta, Head of Sports, Film, Creative, and Performing Arts.
Learners from schools, training colleges and universities across Kenya are competing in music, vibrant Zilizopendwa classics, classical tunes, African choral chants and elocution. President William Ruto is expected to attend a music festival gala where some of the top winners will be showcased.
A Learning Curve
Despite the remarkable success, the journey was not without challenges. Mr Luta said that while the team was “thirsty for more accolades,” fatigue set in towards the end, affecting concentration. Nonetheless, the future is bright as the the team is largely composed of first and second-year students who have gained invaluable experience that will fuel future competitions.
This year’s festival attracted the highest number of participating universities in recent years, making MKU’s achievement even more notable. The university’s consistent performance at such national events highlights its commitment to nurturing creative talents alongside academic pursuits.
Among other participating colleges were Kabarak University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University, Kenyatta University, University Of Embu, Masinde Muliro University, Cooperative University, Jomo Kenyatta University, Dedan Kimathi University, Egerton University, Alupe University, Machakos University, Multimedia University, Daystar University, Kibabii University, Technical University Of Mombasa, Rongo University, Karatina University, Maseno University, St. Paul’s University, University Of Nairobi, Turkana University College and Kaimosi University.
Photo/ Mount Kenya University (MKU) choir perfoming a special composition sponsored by Equity Group during winners concert gala perfomance at the 98th kenya music festival at kibabii university
Poised for Future Glory
With a young and promising squad that has now been battle-tested, MKU’s creative arts group is poised for even greater heights in upcoming competitions. Their latest triumph is not just a collection of trophies but a testament to hard work, resilience, and the vibrant artistic spirit thriving at MKU.
Since its inception in 1948, the Kenya Music Festival has blossomed into the largest documented cultural festival in East and Central Africa. What began as a modest performance platform has evolved into a nationwide celebration of music, dance, and elocution — showcasing over 600 competitive genres and drawing more than 3 million participants each year.
