Three Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) from Vihiga County have secured top positions at the 98th Kenya National Music Festival held at Kibabii University in Bungoma County.
The festival, which ran from August 1 to 14, 2026, brought together learners from technical institutions, schools, teacher training colleges and universities from all 47 counties.
Senende, Hambale and Boyani VTCs delivered impressive performances across multiple categories, earning first, second and third places in solo, group and adaptation events.
Official Response
The County Government of Vihiga has congratulated the three institutions for their outstanding performance at the national level. Education officials said the results demonstrate the quality of talent and training available in the county’s TVET sector.
The Ministry of Education, which oversees the Kenya National Music and Cultural Festivals, has not yet released a full breakdown of all VTC category results. Final official results are expected to be published through the festival’s official channels.
Why This Matters
The success of Vihiga’s VTCs highlights the growing role of technical and vocational institutions in nurturing creative talent alongside practical skills. For many young people, music and performing arts provide a pathway to confidence, self-expression and potential careers in the creative economy.
This year’s festival theme, “Enhancing the Creative Economy Through Knowledge, Skills and Artistic Production for Sustainable Development,” underscores the importance of linking creativity with employability.
Vihiga’s performance shows that vocational centres can compete effectively with secondary schools and other institutions, challenging the perception that TVET is only about technical trades.
Community Impact or Background Context
Senende VTC emerged position one in two categories: Adaptation and Arrangements of “Pop” Tunes and Melodies of African Gospel Music, and Zilizopendwa from Kenya, 2006 to date.
Hambale VTC secured first place in the Tenor Solo and Pop Song categories, and second place in both Soprano Solo and Bass Solo.
Boyani VTC took first position in the Kiswahili Solo Set Piece Verse, “Ulimwengu,” and third position in the English Solo Set Verse, “I Will Sing You a Beautiful Song.”
The achievements build on earlier successes by Vihiga VTCs at national festivals. In April 2026, the county’s vocational centres also performed well at the Kenya National Drama Festivals in Nyeri, with Maseno, Boyani and Hambale VTCs winning multiple awards in dance, verse and narrative categories.
County officials have previously noted that Vihiga sponsored six VTCs with a total of 14 performances at national co-curricular events, including Maseno, Mudete, Mwambeba, Boyani, Gimomoi and St. Peter’s Hambale.
Safety & Prevention
While the festival is a celebratory event, organisers and institutions should continue to prioritise the safety and well-being of participating students. Important measures include:
- Ensure proper supervision during travel and accommodation.
- Provide clear guidelines on behaviour and conduct.
- Arrange safe transport to and from the venue.
- Maintain communication between students, teachers and parents.
- Offer support for students who may experience performance anxiety or stress.
Parents and guardians should also encourage learners to balance creative activities with their core vocational training and academic responsibilities.
What Happens Next
The festival concluded on August 14, 2026, with award ceremonies recognising outstanding performers across all categories.
Vihiga’s VTCs are expected to return home with their awards and use the experience to mentor younger learners and prepare for future competitions.
The County Government may also review its support for co-curricular activities in TVET institutions, considering the positive impact on student confidence and county visibility.