Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Opens County Music and Cultural Festival as County Prepares to Host National Event

 

Uasin Gishu County has officially launched its annual County Music and Cultural Festival, setting the stage for local performers to battle for slots at the upcoming National Music and Cultural Festivals, which the county will host from November 30 to December 8.

Deputy Governor H.E. Evans Kapkea presided over the opening ceremony at Home Craft, where he encouraged participants to showcase their finest talent and secure representation at the national level.

“As a county, it would not be right for people to perform before the President at the State Lodge and none of them be from Uasin Gishu. We have the talent—now it’s time to prove it,” Kapkea said, expressing confidence that the county’s performers will excel during the national festival.

He emphasized that the teams have consistently demonstrated exceptional ability and have what it takes to raise Uasin Gishu’s flag high when the national competitions kick off at Moi Girls’ High School, Eldoret.

“I believe you are the best. It will be up to the adjudicators to pick the best from among the best to represent us,” he added.

County Executive Committee Member for Education, Culture, Gender and Social Protection, Lucy Ng’endo, highlighted the festival’s role in promoting cultural appreciation, unity, and peaceful coexistence among diverse communities. She urged adjudicators to apply fairness and professionalism throughout the competitions.

Chief Officer for Education and Culture, Eunice Suter, reassured participants of the county’s unwavering support both at the county and national stages.

“We’ve finished second for the past few years. This time, let’s bring the national title home,” Suter said, rallying performers toward victory.

Director of Culture, Mohamed Dakane, announced that between 25 and 30 groups will be selected to represent Uasin Gishu at the national festival—an increase from the 13 groups that represented the county last year in Voi, Taita Taveta.

“We’re always number two, but this year we want to break that record and be number one,” Dakane affirmed.

Last year, Uasin Gishu recorded an impressive 81 trophies, securing second place overall at the national festival.

DG Kapkea was joined by Hon. Thomas Yego, Hon. Regina Chumba, Hon. Robert Kering, and County Executive for Devolution, Administration and Public Service Management, Janet Kurgat. Also in attendance were Deputy Directors Pius Mosbei, Rosyline Kosgei, Julius Tanui, along with other county officials.

The county-level festival will continue over the next several days as adjudicators select the top performers who will represent Uasin Gishu at the national showcase.