Mount Kenya University (MKU)’s creative arts groups have once again proven their dominance at the Kenya National Music Festivals by delivering a sterling performance that yielded a tally of 19 overall positions.

The institution also took 25 second-place finishes and 14 third-place positions. The university’s choirs and verse teams were virtually unassailable in main categories from gospel pop adaptations to specialised compositions, cementing MKU’s reputation as a powerhouse in artistic excellence.

The university choir showcased exceptional talent after it secured top honours in the Zilizopendwa category with live instruments, along with wins for adaptation and arrangement of popular gospel pop tunes, winning pop secular tunes from Kenya Zinazovuma. The also topped in a special composition sponsored by Equity Group that earned a prize of Ksh100,000.

The MKU team also claimed victory in the Office of Data Protection Commission sponsored class and were placed third in the Central Bank of Kenya sponsored set piece bagging Ksh50,000.

Not to be outdone, the verses team added to the medal haul with wins in the special composition for the Communication Authority and a special composition on tuberculosis sponsored by Amref Kenya. They won the French verse, among others.

Dean of Students Emmanuel Awour said the team had “exceeded his expectations,” offering his congratulations and best wishes. Team leaders Tracy Mulindi and Brillian Ochieng’, overwhelmed with emotions, attributed their success to divine guidance, patience, and sacrifice.

“Through God, our sacrifices have paid off,” she stated, reflecting on the rigorous rehearsal process.

The 98th Kenya National Music Festival was held at Kibabii University in Bungoma County from August 7-14, 2026. The theme for this year’s event is Enhancing the Creative Economy through Knowledge, Skills and Artistic Production for Sustainable Development.

‘‘The collective effort by MKU underscores the depth of talent within MKU’s creative arts department,’’ William Luta, head of sports, film, creative, and performing arts, said.

Learners from schools, training colleges and universities across Kenya are competing in music, vibrant Zilizopendwa classics, classical tunes, African choral chants and elocution.

President William Ruto is expected to attend a music festival gala where some of the top winners will be showcased.

Despite the remarkable success, the journey was not without challenges. Mr Luta said that while the team was “thirsty for more accolades,” fatigue set in towards the end, affecting concentration.  Nonetheless, the future is bright as the the team is largely composed of first and second-year students who have gained invaluable experience that will fuel future competitions.

This year’s festival attracted the highest number of participating universities in recent years, making MKU’s achievement even more notable. The university’s consistent performance at such national events highlights its commitment to nurturing creative talents alongside academic pursuits.

Among other participating colleges were Kabarak University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University, Kenyatta University, University of Embu, Masinde Muliro University, Cooperative University, Jomo Kenyatta University, Dedan Kimathi University, Egerton University, Alupe University, Machakos University, Multimedia University, Daystar University, Kibabii University, Technical University of Mombasa, Rongo University, Karatina University, Maseno University, St Paul’s University, University of Nairobi, Turkana University College and Kaimosi University

With a young and promising squad that has now been battle-tested, MKU’s creative arts group is poised for even greater heights in upcoming competitions. Their latest triumph is not just a collection of trophies but a testament to hard work, resilience, and the vibrant artistic spirit thriving at MKU.

Since its inception in 1948, the Kenya Music Festival has blossomed into the largest documented cultural festival in East and Central Africa. What began as a modest performance platform has evolved into a nationwide celebration of music, dance, and elocution — showcasing over 600 competitive genres and drawing more than three million participants each year.

• A Tell Media report / By James Wakahiu