Ruto invites Japan to join Kenya’s National Drama and Music Festival
President William Ruto has extended an invitation to Japan to participate in Kenya’s National Schools Drama and Music Festival, underscoring the event’s role in promoting talent and fostering cultural exchange.
Speaking on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, during his address to the Yokohama City Assembly in Japan, President Ruto said the annual festival is a showcase of Kenya’s diverse artistic talent and offers a valuable platform for international collaboration.
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“I invite our Japanese partners to participate in our schools’ drama and music festivals, which showcase a rich talent and provide a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and talent development, forming a strong base for global understanding of cultures,” Ruto said.
Notably, the President’s remarks align with his broader agenda of enhancing diplomatic and people-to-people ties between Kenya and Japan. The call to deepen cultural exchanges follows existing partnerships like the student exchange programme between Yokohama Commercial High School and Alliance High School in Kenya.
Ruto’s plan to broaded art in Kenya
Meanwhile, his remarks on international music festivals come a few days after he announced that discussions are ongoing to bring an African edition of the Grammy Awards to Kenya, emphasising the government’s commitment to building the country’s creative industry.
Speaking at the 97th Kenya Music Festival State Concert in Sagana, Nyeri, on Saturday, August 16, 2025, Ruto highlighted plans to establish world-class music studios in Kenya and set the stage for hosting the continental Grammy Awards.
Next month in the United States, I will meet with the Recording Academy, organisers of the Grammy Awards, to fast-track plans for establishing world-class studios here in Kenya and to set in motion the journey towards eventually hosting an African edition of the Grammy Awards in Nairobi,” the President said.
He addressed sceptics who doubt the feasibility of the initiative, assuring them that the government will deliver results that benefit Kenyans.
“As usual, there are those who doubt, the cynics who question everything we do. But as we have always done, we will answer them with tangible outcomes that benefit Kenyans,” Ruto said.
The President also highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate performing arts into Kenya’s education system, supporting the growth of talent through specialised curricula, partnerships with Hollywood, and initiatives like the Department of Creative Economy and Talanta Hela.
