President William Ruto has announced a new national talent search programme and increased support for participating schools as he hosted the 98th Kenya Music Festival State Concert at Bungoma State Lodge on Friday.

The concert marked the conclusion of the two-week national festival, which brought together more than 143,000 students from schools, colleges and tertiary institutions across the country to showcase their skills in music and other creative disciplines.

Ruto said the Ministry of Education will provide Sh5 million to each school and institution that performed at the State Concert. The funding will support creative arts facilities, including music rooms, instruments and rehearsal spaces, in a move aimed at strengthening arts education.

The President also directed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to lead the establishment of the Kenya National Talent Search, a year-round programme designed to identify and nurture young talent across the country.

The initiative will bring together the government and private sector to scout for talent beyond traditional school competitions. It will cover music, comedy, acting, poetry, film, dance, sport and other creative and sporting disciplines.

The State Department for Youth will spearhead the programme alongside the Creative Economy Office, with support from the Sports Fund.

Ruto said the first theme for the talent search will be “Kenya Beyond 2030”, which he directed schools to adopt for music, drama, poetry and other creative competitions from next year.

The theme is intended to encourage students to use creative expression to explore Kenya’s future and address issues shaping the country’s development.

The President further announced that winners of the inaugural Kenya National Talent Search will be recognised at the next Kalasha International Film and TV Awards, giving the programme a link to one of the country’s major film and television industry events.

He also directed the Education Ministry to begin inviting winners of the Kenya Science and Engineering Fair to State House from next year, saying young innovators should receive greater recognition for their work.

Ruto attended the concert alongside First Lady Rachel Ruto, Kindiki, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.

The festival was presented as part of the government’s wider push to grow Kenya’s creative economy through initiatives such as Talanta Hela.