The Kenya National Drama and Film Festival (KNDFF) has received a Ksh 25 million sponsorship from Equity Bank Kenya for this year’s event at national, regional, county and sub-county levels.
The 2025 festival themed “Liberating Technology to Nurture Talent While Inculcating Value for Social Prosperity,” will be held in Nakuru in April. The sponsorship will go towards rewarding outstanding schools, trainers and participants with certificates, trophies and cash prizes.
Equity Bank’s Commitment to Nurturing Talent
During the partnership launch ceremony at Muhuri Muchiri High School in Ruai, Nairobi, Equity Bank Kenya MD, Moses Nyabanda highlighted the bank’s focus on youth empowerment, education and talent development.
“At Equity Bank, we believe education is the cornerstone of societal transformation. We have empowered thousands of students through scholarships, mentorship and financial inclusion. Today we are extending this by supporting the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival, a premier platform that nurtures creativity, talent and self-expression,” said Nyabanda.
The bank’s sponsorship is based on three pillars:
- Promoting Creativity and Talent Development – Celebrating Kenya’s rich cultural heritage and artistic expression.
- Monetizing Talent and Fostering Entrepreneurship – Helping creatives turn their passion into sustainable businesses that create jobs and transform communities.
- Rewarding Excellence and Encouraging Best Performances – Supporting the festival with Ksh 25 million and sponsoring 16 Equity genres under the sub-theme “Transforming Lives, Giving Dignity and Expanding Opportunities for Wealth Creation.”
Government’s Recognition of KNDFF’s Impact
Nelson Sifuna, the Ministry of Education’s Head of Directorate Field Coordination and Cocurricular Activities, commended Equity Bank for the support and acknowledged the festival’s impact on Kenya’s creative industry.> “These festivals identify and develop talent, instill confidence in our children and cultivate leadership skills. Others sponsor at the national level, Equity Bank starts at the grassroots, that’s the commitment,” Sifuna said.
He also listed the impact of KNDFF by citing:
- Walter Nyambane Mongare – Comedian and communications creative
- John Kiarie – Dagoretti South MP and former actor
- Cleophas Malala – Former Kakamega Senator and playwright
A Bright Future for Kenya’s Creative Industry
With Equity Bank’s investment the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival will empower young creatives by giving them a platform to showcase their talent and access financial and entrepreneurial opportunities.
This partnership marks a new dawn for the festival, more students, schools and communities will benefit from artistic expression and innovation.