Mount Kenya University (MKU) is proving that academic excellence and the nurturing of individual talents are not mutually exclusive, but rather integral components of a holistic educational philosophy.
In the just concluded 2025 Kenya National Drama Festival, the institution emerged ahead of several universities—such as the University of Nairobi, University of Embu, Meru University, Zetech University, Kabarak University, and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), among others—by winning multiple prestigious awards.
First, they emerged the best overall university, this for the second year in a row.
They also thrived in the cultural creative dance, stand- up comedy, solo dance, best documentary on Equity Bank, screen narrative, winning narrative and screen choral verse categories.
Under the visionary leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, Mount Kenya University’s triumph extended beyond the top play award, with the institution impressively securing a range of accolades including 2nd best documentary and advert (both on Equity Bank), 2nd best feature film, a further 3rd best advert on Equity Bank, 3rd position in spoken word, and another 3rd position for their play.
According to Jaganyi, students ought to continue pushing their talents as they also strive for academic excellence, affirming the Institution’s keen interest in nurturing and developing talents essential in fostering individual growth, societal advancement, and organizational success.
Further, in a significant move to cultivate industry-ready talent, Mount Kenya University Journalism staff collaborated with department heads from Cape Media Limited in a consultative meeting. There two counterparts discussed strategies and concept ideas geared towards linking film production, media studies, journalism and creative arts students to industry through a content co-production apprenticeship program.
The team that deliberated on how students get hands-on skills necessary in the job market comprised of Cape Media’s Digital Lead Wayne Wafula, Camera Operation Lead George Kuria and Digital Content Creator Faith Esther from Cape Media and MKU’S Faith Ngure (HOD Journalism & Mass Communication), Koome Ikunyua (Technical), Anne Karibiu (Ass. Lecturer) and Bevaline Maranga.
Mount Kenya University’s unwavering commitment to nurturing creative talent aligns perfectly with President William Ruto’s recent pledge to bolster the Creative Economy.
On April 16th, 2025, at State House, Nakuru, during the celebratory State Concert for the 63rd Kenya National Drama and Film Festival 2025, President William Ruto unveiled a groundbreaking vision: monetizing the Drama Festivals by uploading performances onto the e-Citizen platform where viewers will pay to watch so as to generate income for the students, schools and play writers.
He stressed on the impact of the Festivals that majorly educate through art.
“I congratulate all the winners at this year’s Drama and film festival. There is no more powerful incubator of Kenya’s Creative Economy than the National Drama Festivals. We don’t merely support the arts symbolically; we back them strategically.” The President partly stated.
