STORYMOJA

In November 2007, we held the inaugural storytelling competitions in 5 universities and 4 estates. The program culminated in Nyama Choma Fiesta at Impala Club, on 2nd December 2007. The Winner overall of the competition was Eric Omondi, who performed Oluoch Madiang’s In the Land of the Kitchen, which is now being published as a children’s book. The runner up was Joshua Muraya who is still actively involved in Storymoja Storytelling programs.

Last year was such a rich experience for all involved that with great anticipation Storymoja launched the Storytelling Season of 2008. This year, Storymoja was able to involve up to 20 high schools, 20 college campuses and 8 estates. The theme of the Program this year is “Peace for Kenya.” Entrants were required to present a 6 minute story, displaying creativity and originality, as well as diversity in cultural ideas while allowing for reconciliation and healing. Each institution provided 10 contestants for the preliminary competition. The preliminaries were judged by one judge from the institution’s community, another from Storymoja and another from the business or media community in Nairobi. Two finalists chosen to represent the institution or estate in the finals at the Nyama Choma Fiesta at Impala club on August 10th were also able to attend a 6 hour long performance workshop led by experienced performance artists.

Among the many schools involved was Jamhuri High School, Aga Khan High School, Huruma Girls School and Kangemi High School. Mrs. Kimondo a teacher at Jamhuri High School said of the program, “The boys are encouraged when they find that they have strengths beyond academics. It reinforces them and makes them work harder in all areas of life.”

Mr. Vincent Otieno of the National Youth Service Engineering Institute was beaming with pride as his protégées presented their stories. He said, “I was so glad for the opportunity for the students not only to showcase their talent but also for them to represent their school at this level. I was especially proud of the one and only young lady who went up on stage. Even though she did not win the first position, we will continue encouraging her to pursue her strengths!”

It will definitely be stimulating to watch the finals this year! All the schools and Campuses who have participated have displayed extraordinary talent in creating original stories and in performing them. And on August 10th at Impala Club Grounds, they will represent their schools and prove who the best is.

Join us in Celebrating Kenyan Stories!