Nairobi: Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok has affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Arts and Sports Sciences, recognizing their significant impact on the development of learners and teacher trainees. Prof. Bitok highlighted the essential role that Co-Curricular activities play in fostering academic excellence, discipline, and resilience, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles among students.
According to Kenya News Agency, Prof. Bitok emphasized the importance of Arts and Sports Sciences as a foundation for building social skills, encouraging teamwork, and fostering character development. He urged schools, parents, and the public to celebrate and support students passionate about the Arts and Sports academic pathway, which is part of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) education reforms.
Speaking from his Jogoo Office in Nairobi, the Principal Secretary expressed gratitude to various supporters, including the National Government under President Dr. William Ruto, the Sports Fund, Brookside, and other partners, for their financial and in-kind contributions to national sporting and arts tournaments. He noted that these supports have significantly enhanced participation and morale, contributing to academic excellence in schools.
Prof. Bitok also called for increased partnerships, particularly in special needs activities, to promote equity, inclusivity, and holistic development among learners. He pointed out that arts and sports serve as platforms for students to showcase their talents, with the potential to shape future careers in these fields.
In urging patriotic Kenyans and sports enthusiasts to invest in and support learners, he highlighted the collective efforts needed to nurture sports and the Arts under the CBC pathway, ultimately boosting learners’ confidence and morale to uphold Kenya’s sporting culture.
The National level championship competitions, featuring a variety of Arts and sporting activities, are underway across different regions. These events began with teacher training colleges at Kababii Teachers Training College in Bungoma County, and will include learners from pre-primary, primary, junior, and senior schools.
The Drama and Film Festivals, scheduled from April 7-19 at Afraha High School in Nakuru County, will culminate in a State Concert on April 18. Other activities, such as Secondary schools’ special sports, are taking place at Shanzu Teachers Training College and Sahajanand special school in Mombasa from April 5-13.
Additionally, secondary school sports, primary school athletics, primary school special athletics, and junior schools’ events will occur from April 6-12, 2025, in Mombasa, alongside the Kenya Science Engineering Fair at Kangaru High School in Embu County. These events feature Rugby 15s, Athletics, Basketball 5X5, Hockey, Handball, Cross Country, Swimming, Gymnastics, Paralympics, Goal ball, and Ball games.
Prof. Bitok also stressed the importance of transport safety, urging drivers to exercise caution while transporting learners and participants to and from the various events throughout the activities’ duration.