Political Support for Music Education in Kenya: A Paradox

Abstract

Music and politics in Kenya have long been intertwined. Song exalted the spirit of political manipulation in Kenya, starting with the founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta to his successors including Daniel Toroitich arap Moi (President Moi). During President Moi’s regime which is commonly referred to as the Nyayo Era (or foot-steps Era), he appropriated the power of music for political purposes. He encouraged music educators in schools, colleges and community organizations to compose music, sing and dance in his praise. He toured countryside and cities around the nation and as he came into contact with music groups including but not limited to primary school and secondary school mass choirs, college and community choirs, he danced with them as the choirs sang and danced in his praise. Kenya’s political realities dictated that President Moi continue to build his political popularity by promoting music that praised his government policies throughout the nation. Since scholarly literature has shown that music is both a social performance and an effective communicative medium, this paper explores the paradox that while President Moi supported music education in Kenya, music also became a tool for his political expediency. The paper hence explores the role of music in the political governance in Kenya during the Nyayo Era and discusses some of the conundrums music educators in schools and communities confronted while teaching, composing and performing music.

Keywords: music education, music as paradox, politics in Kenya, nyayo era, Moi

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-29-03

Publication date:October 31^st 2021