The 2023 Nyanza Region Music Festivals have kicked off in Migori County, with both primary and secondary schools from Siaya, Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Homa Bay, and the host, Migori, gracing the event.

The four-day event was officially opened by Migori County Governor Ochilo Ayacko at Migori Teacher’s Training College (TTC) with the theme of promoting, preserving, and fostering unity in African culture.

Nyanza Regional Director of Education (RDE), Nelson Sifuna, revealed that they expect the event to be a success both at the primary and high school levels.

The Director recognized the impact of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) on harnessing the talents of every child by ensuring that talent counts through music, art, and games.

Sifuna further assured the participants of total security in the wake of Wednesday’s opposition-scheduled demonstrations after security concerns were raised over the safety of the children, bearing in mind that Migori has been flagged as a hotspot county.

“We have liaised with the internal security team and other private security firms to ensure proper security is provided during the event,” assured Sifuna.

While echoing the RDE’s sentiments on security, Ochilo appreciated the freedom to picket and called upon the demonstrators to picket peacefully for the sake of the Music festival students.

“We appreciate our desire and commitment to expand our freedom of expression and association. It will contribute a lot if we are able to accommodate these festivities within our civil liberties. I’d like to encourage the demonstrators to encompass our quest for freedom while also protecting our pupils and students,” echoed Ochilo.

Migori County Senator Eddy Oketch stated that the event would aid in building talents among the young people.

Oketch added that the 13,000 pupils and students attending the festival will greatly contribute to the cultural interaction and promotion in our African setup.

The Senator also promised to liaise with the county government to provide financial support to Migori County schools that will progress to the national competition.

The Legislature thanked the organizers for selecting the county as the host of the music event and noted that the county will forever be grateful for the honors accorded.