The ongoing 63rd National Drama and Film Festivals in Nakuru City have shed light on the challenges and opportunities of integrating Arts and Sports as viable pathways in senior secondary schools. The discussions, which took place during the inaugural conference, highlighted the importance of mainstreaming the Arts, particularly in the face of existing challenges in the creative sector. Despite the significant potential of Kenya’s creative industry, it receives minimal support from the government, as noted by Michael Pundo, the Chief Executive Officer at the Kenya Cultural Centre. “Because there are no current statistics to show how much the creative industry is contributing to the economy, policymakers give it very little attention,” he stated. The Arts and Sports Science pathway, which focuses on nurturing creativity and physical abilities, aims to prepare students for careers in the arts and sports sectors. Students enrolled in this pathway will study subjects such as Music, Dance, Fine Arts, Theatre, and Sports Science, with the goal of preparing them for careers in professional sports, arts management, music production, theatre, fitness training, and related fields. However, the discussions raised questions about how the Ministry plans to mainstream this pathway, given the current challenges within the sector. One teacher asked, “How are schools prepared to handle these pathways, considering that the arts face numerous challenges? How do we move beyond theoretical knowledge to enable students to engage in practical art that has economic benefits?”
Stakeholders expressed that the neglect of the sector has resulted in a situation where “everyone is doing something on their own,” a circumstance they believe is not helping the industry as a whole. Pundo also commented that the creative industry still lacks robust policy guidance and implementation to protect artists’ intellectual property and ensure they benefit from their creative works. The music industry, in particular, faces challenges related to copyright issues. Pundo pointed out that collaborations and partnerships are key to the growth of the creative economy in Nigeria, and that this approach could also be explored in Kenya. Professor Christopher Odhiambo, the National Chairman of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival, emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange and sharing of ideas. “These conferences are eye-openers where experts share their ideas and participants can ask questions about how best to tap into the creative economy,” he said. Odhiambo also highlighted the need to alleviate the anxiety of “What next?” after the festivals, and to explore avenues for monetizing creative content effectively. The goal is to benefit schools and learners, and to provide them with a clear path forward. The Kenyan government has the opportunity to learn from other countries, such as Nigeria and South Africa, which have developed music industry infrastructures that focus on industry regulations, allowing artists to earn revenue from their work. Rwanda, on the other hand, is emerging as a leader in East Africa, with a thriving creative landscape.

The challenges and opportunities of mainstreaming Arts and Sports pathways in senior secondary schools are complex and multifaceted. However, by exploring new approaches and learning from other countries, the Kenyan government can take steps towards a more sustainable and equitable creative industry. **Benefits of Mainstreaming Arts and Sports Pathways**
• Preparation for careers in the arts and sports sectors
• Nurturing creativity and physical abilities
• Providing economic benefits through practical art
• Enhancing theoretical knowledge with practical application
• Supporting artists’ intellectual property and ensuring they benefit from their creative works
In conclusion, the discussions during the 63rd National Drama and Film Festivals in Nakuru City have highlighted the need for the Ministry of Education to mainstream Arts and Sports pathways in senior secondary schools. The benefits of mainstreaming Arts and Sports pathways are clear, and it is essential that the Ministry takes action to address the challenges facing the sector.