How important were music, the arts, sports, and other co-curricular activities to your own education? Do you remember the thrill of school competitions, traveling to meet peers from other towns, and working as a team to achieve a goal?

At Kijana Global Innovation School, these experiences are central components of our educational philosophy. They widen horizons and enliven learning. Today, thanks to a supportive global community, our students are excelling on regional and national stages.

Music and the Kijana Spirit

Music is fundamental to the human experience and deeply rooted in Kenyan and African culture. For decades, the National Music Festival has been a prestigious feature of Kenyan education. In only our first five years as a school, Kijana students reached the pinnacle of this competition—and they are poised to do it again this year.

This era of achievement coincides with an exciting milestone: the adoption of the Giraffe as our official school mascot. Known as the “Sentinels of the Savannah” and “Gentle Giants,” giraffes are protective, patient, clever, and graceful. As the tallest mammals, they possess the unique ability to see far into the horizon. It is a fitting symbol for our learners as they look toward bright futures.

“Just as our school mascot, the giraffe, symbolizes gentleness and strength, our students showed immense courage, creativity, and determination on stage.” — Lawrence Inonda

A Spectacular Start at the Sub-County Competition

Our “Gentle Giants” followed up last year’s impressive showing with an even more stunning start to this year’s festival. On Sunday, May 25th, the Kijana team delivered unforgettable performances at the Butere Sub-County Music Festival Competition.

Armed with recently acquired musical instruments—which deeply inspired and motivated our learners—our students presented an incredible 32 items.

The results were spectacular: 24 of our performances qualified for the County Level Competition, held at St. Peter’s Boys National School!

A Snapshot of Our Success:

• 18 First-Place Finishes: Highlights included our Orchestra Group (A Million Dreams), String Ensemble (Lamb’s Lullaby), and numerous solo French, German, and instrumental performances.

• 6 Second-Place Finishes: Ranging from Swahili choral verses to compelling public speaking presentations focused on environmental conservation.

• National Contenders: Kijana proudly holds the number three position nationally in orchestra performances from the previous festival, and we are on track to climb even higher.

Building an Elite Program Together

The growth of the Kijana music program requires immense coordination and resources: dedicated teachers and administration, instrument purchasing and maintenance, travel logistics, costumes, and specialized training.

Our growing collection of instruments is quickly emerging as one that matches some of the most elite schools in Kenya. Looking ahead, we are also exploring exciting ways to connect our enthusiastic, skilled young musicians with professional musical groups across the nation.

The surrounding community is brimming with gratitude for the resources allowing us to nurture these unique talents.

Below is a video of students preparing for the competition. Don’t forget to; Like . . . Subscribe . . . Comment while visiting our channel! They are practicing in our recently opened library and media center. There is also an image of a letter demonstrating the deep appreciation of community members for the blessings bestowed upon Kijana School and the Mulusi Village community.