EMURUA DIKIRR, Kenya — President William Ruto has announced that the government will sponsor the Kalenjin Music Festival with Sh20 million annually for the next five years, in honour of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno.
Ruto said the programme, which was started by Ngeno to promote local artists and cultural expression, will now be formally managed by the ministry responsible for arts and culture to ensure its continuity.
“For the next five years, the government will allocate Sh20 million every year to support this initiative. The programme will be taken over by the ministry responsible for arts so that the work Ngeno started can continue,” the President said.
He made the remarks on Friday during the funeral service of the late legislator at Emurua Dikirr, where mourners gathered to pay tribute to the MP and four aides who died alongside him in a helicopter crash in Nandi County.
The President described Ngeno as a leader deeply committed to uplifting local artists and promoting cultural talent within the Kalenjin community and across the country.
“Ngeno was not only a leader here in Emurua Dikirr but also a champion for artists in our community. He travelled widely speaking about the challenges facing creatives and how they could be supported,” Ruto said.
According to the President, the late MP frequently engaged him on issues affecting artists and the broader creative industry.
Ruto recalled a conversation they had in December when Ngeno approached him seeking government support for a large music festival that had drawn thousands of artists and fans.
“I remember when I visited the family in Nairobi in December, Ngeno reached out to me seeking Sh30 million to support a major event for artists,” the President said.
The Head of State narrated that the request came only days before the event, leaving him wondering how the funds would be mobilised within such a short timeframe.
“I asked him, ‘You are asking for Sh20 million and giving me only two days’ notice. Where will I get that money from?’” Ruto said, drawing laughter from mourners.
Ngeno quickly corrected him, the President added.
“He told me, ‘It’s not Sh20 million, it’s Sh30 million,’” Ruto said, prompting more laughter from the crowd.
Despite the late request, Ruto said he eventually intervened and directed the relevant government agencies to support the initiative.
“In the end, I had to make several efforts and directed the Ministry of Sports to work with him so that the artists could be supported,” he said.
The President said the decision to institutionalise the festival was meant to preserve Ngeno’s legacy and strengthen Kenya’s creative economy.
“Because of the passion he had for organising and supporting artists, we have agreed that the government will take over this programme and fund it with Sh20 million every year for the next five years,” Ruto said.
The announcement was received with applause from mourners, many of whom described the late MP as a leader who used his position to uplift local talent and bring artists together through cultural events.
