Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has warned teachers and officials flouting rules and regulations in co-curriculum activities will face disciplinary action.
He said co-curriculum activities should be based on the ministry’s policies, guidelines and regulations.
Mr Ogamba spoke at the winners’ gala concert of the 63rd Kenya Schools and Colleges Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru, which was last week rocked by controversy around a play by Butere Girls High School.
“As we train these young learners, we must do so under stipulated guidelines, and regulations. In this connection, I direct that all cocurricular activities in our learning institutions must be conducted in strict adherence to the guidelines and or regulations provided by the Ministry of Education and Teachers Service Commission,” he said.
“The Ministry of Education will firmly enforce the existing regulations for co-curricular activities and will not hesitate to take action against its officials that flout the policies and procedures governing all programmes.
“We must do everything to ensure that our learners are well protected and nurtured in developing their artistic prowess, under an atmosphere that is age-appropriate and suited to the level of learners.”
Mr Ogamba disclosed that an investigation is going regarding the incident and action will be taken against whoever will be found culpable, dismissing claims on social media that the principal of the school has been transferred and the board of management disbanded.
Initially, play by the school was removed from the national finals before a petitioner went to court seeking intervention but it was not performed after the playwright Cleophas Malala was arrested on the eve of the performance.
The winners will perform at the State gala concert at Nakuru State House on Wednesday before President William Ruto who is the patron of the festival.
“There was a small hiccup but we shall make sure such hiccups don’t happen again and that we’re in charge of our enterprise. This is an education activity and our main objective is to help our learners develop talent. We want a work of art that tells us what is wrong and what is right. It’s supposed to offer solutions and not cause pain,” said the chair of the festival Christopher Odhiambo.
He added that the festival will become the hub of the learners who will pursue the performing arts pathway in senior school under the competency-based curriculum (CBC), a position Mr Ogamba also emphasised. In senior school, learners will pursue pathways of the choice based on ability, interest as well as available vacancies in schools.
“I am proud of what our young people have displayed, under CBC, the arts will form a pathway that our learners will pursue in senior school where they will be exposed to the theory and practice of filmmaking, theatre production and music and dance. This should give us the confidence that is a career path for the creatives through mainstream education," he noted.
The MoE has formulated guidelines on the placement of Grade 9 learners in senior school next year. Mr Ogamba said that every learner should follow their pathways with passion. Commending the winning play from Moi High School Mbiruri, he asked the parents or guardians not to pressure their children on what they want them to do in school.
The CEO of Equity Bank Mwangi James who was a guest at the ceremony said that a country that does not invest in its children has no future. He said that the drama festival is one of the best innovations from the Ministry of Education.
"We are happy to continue helping learners and directors to continue exploring their careers in acting, directing and production. Rewarding outstanding excellence is one of our missions and philosophy as a group," Mr Mwangi said.
The festival was streamed live by Edu TV which is operated by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development. The performances were also recorded by the institute.
“We’ve made very considerable advances in drama and film, in my view, across all genres. The junior school category is particularly impressive – exceptionally demonstrating application of the competencies acquired in creative arts,” said Prof Charles Ong’ondo, the CEO of KICD.
