21 August, 2024 | By Marjorie Mwendwa

It was not hard convincing me to take part in this event. In fact, I reached out to a friend who was part of the organizers and asked to be put on the day’s program. Over time, I have come to accept my greatest responsibility to the crown as Miss Meru, is to impact and mentor those that I precede. I got a response on the morning of the event day and as impromptu as it was, I hurried to be there.

When I got there, it was a small event by measure of attendees. I like these ones more, because I get to demythologize the crown and bring it down to where the kids can reach, showing them that even the stars can be touched. However, for the oncoming events, I hope that more people will be present for this annual event, since the iniative behind it is one we’ve been lacking as young talents and artists.

Allow me to paint you a picture of the humble event that I wish to see its grandeur. The event prides itself in the fact that they go beyond identifying, but also nurturing talents. They do this by collaborating with partners who have aligning targets. Here are the compass points that guide the event.

• VISION: To be the catalyst for transformative change by empowering young talents to reach their full potential.
• MISSION: Providing a platform for identifying and nurturing talent, offering mentorship, addressing youth challenges, promoting local culture, and contributing to the growth of Meru County’s artistic and creative landscape.

Objectives of Kianja Festival

• Provide a platform for showcasing diverse talents.
• Facilitate mentorship and opportunities through strategic partnerships.
• Address challenges affecting young people, including mental health and substance abuse.
• Serve as a source of entertainment and promotion for local musicians and artists.
• Promote Ameru culture through artistic expressions.

Nonetheless, even with that background of information, this is not a story of pomp and merry. This is another story of neglect of duty.

The Kianja Festival Founder and chairperson, Mr. Kimathi (find his contact attached below), did not shy away from showing long threads of messages to people responsible a plea for support. They had all gone unanswered.

Regardless of how impactful the Kianja Festival initiative was, they walk through a garden of diamonds, blind to the glimmer beneath their feet.
This reminded me of a while ago when I was watching the Olympics. I couldn’t help but compare the athletes to people who were good sportspeople while growing up and did not get to live their athleticism. What stood between them was lack untapped potential and unpolished skills. That was evident here as well. It was a pool of promises.

Kids fought hard for the spotlight. Some danced passionately and gracefully. Those who sang had voices that flowed beautifully. The ones on the runway commanded the floor with every stride. They were happy and proud to be seen and given a platform. Too happy to realize their potential. How much more beautifully they would have blossomed were they watered properly.

Since inception, Kianja boasts of having;

• Organized over 10 successful events.
• Identified over 600 talented young individuals who we continue to nurture in collaboration with our partners.
• Established strong collaborations with esteemed partners.
• Offered mentorship to creatives as well as young people through various programs such as weekly online talks, youth conferences, workshops among many other programs and initiatives.

This year, their hunt for young gifted tucks will be done in Tvets, Secondary Schools, Colleges and Campuses, Children’s Home and churches in Meru county. Kianja is manned by a team of dedicated and selfless coordinators, whose hunger to shape sparks into flames is insatiable.
In conclusion, despite its modest size, the Kianja Talent Tour and Youth Mentorship Event excels as an essential platform for young people in Meru.

Despite obstacles, it is clear that the organizers are committed to mentoring and inspiring the young people. Beyond only providing a platform, the tackles the shadows of like substance abuse and mental health, assisting young people in reaching their full potential. The creative community of Meru could be significantly influenced by this project in the future.

As Kianja Festival continues to expand its reach—identifying and nurturing talent through partnerships and mentorship—their impact is clear. Their efforts, which have already benefited over 600 youngsters, are creating the foundation for a better future. As these young artists develop into the center of Meru’s cultural and creative environment, it is a vision that deserves to be embraced.

Announcement: On Saturday 5 October 2024, Kianja will be running a Cancer Walk to support the sensitization and treat of cancer. Please support them! Reach out to Kimathi to learn how you can participate before, during and after the Walk

Marjorie

+254728093922
antokimathi@gmail.com.

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The writer, Marjorie Mwendwa is the reigning Miss Meru. Marjorie is heavily involved in projects that empower women  and children in Meru.