The 2022 Kenya Universities Performing Arts Association (KUPAA) National Drama, Beauty Pageant, Visual Arts and Film Festivals was filled with pomp and colour as different universities graced the stage to display their talents and skills. Held at The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, Siaya County, more than thirty universities battled it out for the coveted prizes in different categories including plays, modern dance, mimes, narratives, choral verse, cultural dances as well as spoken word.
The Vice Chair of the Kenya Universities Dean of Students Association KUDSA Prof.Omondi Okech from TUK awarding Mr.Felix Ogolla during the KUPAA awarding ceremony.
The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) battled it out with over 45 other plays from different universities comfortably defending their title as the kings and queens of theatre emerging top with their play ‘The Begotten Son’. The play directed by Mr. Felix Moses Ogola, a former CUK Students Union Congress Person, won several other awards amongst them Best Presentation; Best Scripted Play Overall, Best Scripted Play in English and Best Play addressing issues in universities with Cecil Nyongesa, a 2nd year student at CUK, emerging the best actor in the category and the director, Felix Moses Ogola, taking home the Best Student Director of a Play in English.
The University also came in top in the modern dance category, with their performance, ‘Hidden Gem’ written by Felix Moses Ogola and choreographed by Julius Kasekwa flooring 29 other modern dance performances. The dance performance also emerged as runners-up in the Best Choreography Award.
CUK’s Mime Category entry ‘Depotism’ was also not left behind as they put up a performance that left many longing for more. Performed by Julius Kasekwa, Depotism emerged as runners-up in the best presentation category and runners-up in the overall category.
The club trainer, Mr. Felix Mtetezi was filled with joy and pride terming the festival a total success noting that their long hours of training, commitment and hard work had borne fruits that everybody could see. He also stated that the University had been extra supportive in their quest for the festival adding that they had received financial support and constant check-ins from the University administration to know of their welfare. A seemingly overjoyed, Ms. Mary Mbugua, the club patron added that this was only the beginning and that more is yet to come from the winning team.
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Samuel Ngaramba, Albert Kitish, Collins Ngetich, Broone Otieno, Collins Kamau, Hans Newton and Annette Ayuko were recognized as outstanding students in the festivals with Ms. Mary Mbugua stating that the performers would serve as drama club mentors and ambassadors bringing on board other students who would like to join the club.
‘This is a great team and we can’t wait to see what more they have in store’ stated Mr. Victor Njogu, CUK’s Public Relations Officer when reached for a comment.
As The Co-operative University of Kenya, we are extremely proud of our drama team. Hongera CUK!
We look forward to celebrating CUK’s Drama club in their next win.
The Kenya music and drama festival is a program under the ministry of education that nurtures artistic talents in music and drama. The main objective of the festivals is to promote culture as one of the goals of education as well as promote extra curriculum activities within the school programs.