Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki has said the mainstreaming of sports, creative and performing arts, including music, under Kenya’s Competency Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum is helping identify and nurture talent among children at an early age.
Speaking in Bungoma County on Friday, August 14, 2026, Kindiki said the approach is creating opportunities for talented learners to pursue careers in areas beyond traditional academic disciplines.
He noted that for more than six decades, Kenya’s education system largely prioritised academic subjects in the natural and social sciences, while music, drama, arts and other creative disciplines were treated as extracurricular activities.
According to Kindiki, music can provide a viable career pathway while also promoting values such as hard work, integrity and patriotism among young people.
He said creative disciplines can further contribute to efforts to discourage social vices, including corruption, laziness and unethical behaviour.
Kindiki said Kenya’s development beyond 2030 will require citizens grounded in strong ethical values to support economic transformation and empowerment.
The Deputy President made the remarks while attending the 98th State Concert of the Kenya Music Festival at State Lodge, Bungoma, alongside President William Ruto and First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto.
