Young Kenyan performers are not just acting—they’re advocating. At this year’s Kenya National Drama and Film Festival (KNDFF), students lit up the stage with powerful stories that went beyond entertainment, delivering bold messages about saving money, using tech smartly, and building a future driven by innovation.
From electrifying dances to moving mimes and cultural plays, learners used their creativity to tackle real-world issues like theft, poor saving habits, and unemployment—while offering clever, tech-based solutions.
Kerugoya Boys High School led the charge with The Game Changer, a modern dance that tells the story of a student whose money is stolen at school. The incident sparks the introduction of prepaid debit cards, helping prevent theft and teaching students financial responsibility. “It’s about turning a bad situation into a smart solution,” said the scriptwriter.
Primary school students also brought big ideas to the stage. Kericho Primary’s School Money was a fun, upbeat singing game urging parents to save through banks instead of hiding money at home. Turesia Mixed School’s Jeruto followed a girl who learns the hard way that money under the mattress isn’t safe—and discovers the value of junior saving accounts.
But it wasn’t all about saving—skills and innovation took center stage too. Vihiga High’s play The Final Squad rallied youth to turn their passions, like sports science, into income. Sameta High’s powerful mime Torments of Hade told a wordless yet emotional story of a struggling boy who turns his life around by learning digital skills and earning online.
Ogande Girls’ Nyar Uyoma captured the struggle of a mother hustling to educate her daughter in tough economic times. The cultural dance ended on a high note—showing how resilience, hard work, and support can overcome any challenge.
This year’s festival theme, Liberating Technology to Nurture Talent While Inculcating Value for Social Prosperity, was brought to life in every performance. KNDFF Executive Secretary James Indimuli applauded the students, saying: “We must guide our youth to use technology not just for entertainment, but for income and innovation. That’s how we grow socially and economically.”
Backing this financial literacy push was Equity Bank, the sponsor behind many of the performances. “These kids aren’t just performing—they’re building business minds,” said Peter Ndoro, Equity’s Head of Education. “Helping them turn talent into enterprise is an investment in Kenya’s future.”
Indimuli urged more support beyond the festival, calling for open access to creative hubs like the Kenya Cultural Centre and National Theatre. “With CBC, performing arts are now learning areas,” he said. “Some learners will follow the talent pathway—and make real careers out of it.”
With energy, passion, and fresh ideas, these students are proving that Kenya’s next generation isn’t just talented—it’s money-smart, tech-ready, and ready to lead the way.
