Equity Bank has announced a Kshs. 25 million sponsorship for the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing young talent and supporting arts education across the country. The funding will support the festival at all levels, including national, regional, county, and sub-county competitions.
Equity Bank’s Commitment to Arts and Education
The partnership highlights Equity Bank’s long-standing belief in education and the arts as pillars of societal transformation. By investing in co-curricular activities, the bank aims to empower students, enhance creative expression, and contribute to Kenya’s cultural and artistic development.
Speaking during the partnership launch ceremony at Muhuri Muchiri High School in Ruai, Nairobi, Nelson Sifuna, Head of Directorate Field Coordination and Co-curricular Activities at the Ministry of Education, praised Equity Bank for supporting the festival from the grassroots level.
“We are gathered here to witness a momentous occasion. While others prefer to sponsor at the national level, Equity Bank begins at the grassroots, a testament to their commitment,” he stated.
Empowering Young Creatives Through the Festival
The Kenya National Drama and Film Festival is a premier platform for young creatives to showcase their talents in acting, filmmaking, poetry, and other performing arts. The 2025 festival’s theme, “Liberating Technology to Nurture Talent while Inculcating Value for Social Prosperity,” underscores the role of innovation in creative expression and cultural development.
Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director, Moses Nyabanda, emphasized the impact of the festival on youth empowerment.
“This moment is a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and the immense potential that lies within our young people. At Equity Bank, we believe that education is the cornerstone of societal transformation,” said Nyabanda.
Rewards and Recognition for Top Performers
As part of its sponsorship, Equity Bank will reward outstanding schools, trainers, and participants with certificates, trophies, and cash prizes. This initiative aims to:
- Encourage excellence in performing arts by recognizing top talents.
- Foster self-sustainability among young creatives by supporting their skills development.
- Promote cultural preservation and artistic expression through structured competitions.
“We are proud to reward outstanding schools, trainers, and participants, fostering a future where creative talents thrive and become self-sustainable,” added Mr. Nyabanda.
Why Equity Bank’s Sponsorship Matters
Equity Bank’s investment in the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival is significant because:
- It demonstrates corporate Kenya’s role in fostering talent development.
- It provides a platform for students to explore careers in the creative industry.
- It enhances cultural heritage and storytelling through drama and film.
- It aligns with Kenya’s education sector reforms, which emphasize holistic learning.
With continued support from corporate sponsors like Equity Bank, Kenya’s creative sector is poised for growth and global recognition. The bank’s commitment to grassroots-level development ensures that students across the country—regardless of background—have equal opportunities to participate and showcase their talents.
The Kenya National Drama and Film Festival remains a key avenue for young artists to hone their skills, build confidence, and contribute to the country’s flourishing creative economy.
