Egerton University is abuzz with creativity and talent as it hosts the Kenya Universities Performing Arts Association (KUPAA) National Drama and Performing Arts Festival, an event that brings together students from universities across Kenya to showcase their passion and skill in the performing arts. This festival not only celebrates the vibrancy of creative expression in academia but also marks a significant step toward fostering a culture of arts within Kenya’s higher education system.
Prior to the festival's official opening, Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage welcomed the KUPAA National Officials for a courtesy call at his office. During this meeting, the Vice Chancellor reaffirmed Egerton University’s commitment to supporting KUPAA in its mission to nurture talent and provide students with a platform for self-expression.
“We are proud to support KUPAA in empowering our students through the arts," said Prof. Isaac Kibwage, Vice Chancellor of Egerton University, during the courtesy call with KUPAA National Officials. "Creative expression is essential in academia, fostering empathy, resilience, and cultural pride. I encourage the KUPAA leadership to build a strong foundation through robust policies that will sustain this vision and create lasting impact across universities in Kenya.”
Prof. Kibwage acknowledged KUPAA's foundational vision, rooted in the Kenya Universities Dean of Students Association (KUDSA), which seeks to encourage a balanced educational experience where creative and performing arts play a central role in student growth. Recognizing the importance of structure and sustainability, he encouraged the officials to fortify KUPAA with strong policies, emphasizing the need for strategic planning to support the association’s long-term success. History of Kupaa was done by KUDSA Representative Prof. Omondi Oketch detailing its inception, accompanied by the KUPAA Secretary General Patrick Ogutu, Bonface, KUPAA chairman Isalambo, Treasurer, Mr Williat Anyika, Organizing Secretary Dr. Faustin Malachi Apudo, and Ministry of Education Representative Ms Eunice Wakofula.
The festival officially launched with a colorful ceremony attended by representatives from the Ministry of Education, Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara, Deputy Vice Chancellors, and other distinguished guests. The event drew excitement and anticipation from participants and guests alike, who gathered to witness the diverse performances that would unfold on stage.
Day one of the festival was a vibrant display of cultural expression, with performances that ranged from drama to dance, spoken word, and music. The representatives, led by the Vice Chancellor and the County Commissioner, were deeply engaged, applauding the creativity and originality demonstrated by the students. The festival provided a powerful platform for students to tackle critical social issues through their art, promoting conversations around identity, resilience, and community. For the audience, it was a vivid reminder of the value of the arts in highlighting societal issues and fostering empathy.
As the first day drew to a close, the impact of the festival resonated across the campus. The KUPAA festival at Egerton University exemplified a commitment to creating spaces where students can pursue creative endeavors alongside their academic studies. Through such events, universities are fostering well-rounded graduates equipped with the intellectual and emotional tools necessary to contribute meaningfully to society.
KUPAA chairman Isalambo said: “We thank the Vice Chancellor Egerton University for hosting us here at Main Campus. The renovated facility is a gesture of the commitment of the University towards this event.”
The event's success on the first day set a positive tone for the days to follow, as Egerton University and KUPAA continue to champion the role of arts in education. By bringing together academia and the arts, the festival stands as a testament to the transformative power of creativity in shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic future for Kenyan university students.
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