BUTERE GIRLS' BOLD PLAY SHINES AS RUTO HOSTS DRAMA FESTIVAL WINNERS

President William Ruto on Wednesday hosted winners of the 2025 Kenya National Drama and Film Festival at State House, Nakuru, during a colourful State Concert that celebrated outstanding performances from schools across the country.

The event featured top schools including Moi High School Mbiruri, Kanyuambora High School, and Kangaru High School, all from Embu County, whose productions earned national recognition.

In his address, President Ruto praised the festival as a vital platform for nurturing talent and promoting national values.

“This festival is not just about entertainment. It’s a powerful platform for shaping national identity, highlighting social issues and nurturing talent,” he said.

Among the standout performances was Echoes of War by Butere Girls High School, a politically themed play that sparked widespread discussion. Despite attracting mixed reactions, the play earned the school a special mention at the concert.

The State Concert marks the conclusion of the annual drama and film festival, which brings together schools and institutions of higher learning to showcase creative excellence. This year’s edition, held in Nakuru for the first time since its elevation to city status, reflected the government’s commitment to decentralising national events.

State House Press Secretary Emmanuel Talam described the move as a milestone for devolution and recognition of Nakuru’s growing cultural significance.
The festival also comes at a time when the government is renewing its focus on youth empowerment and the creative economy. Media access to the event was tightly controlled under heightened security protocols.

First held several decades ago, the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival continues to expand, embracing modern storytelling formats such as digital media, spoken word, and film.