An eight-year-old boy has made history in the Eastern region drama and film festival fete at Machakos by scooping the top position in the solo dramatised singing games category.
Brian Kimanzi, a Grade 2 pupil from Tiva Primary School, will now represent Eastern Kenya region at the national drama festivals, which will take place at Shimo La Tewa High School in Mombasa from April 19-26.
"It is true that this is the first time our school has taken part not only in regional, but national Kenya Drama and Film Festivals," Kimanzi's teacher, Tiberious Murithi, said on Saturday.
Kimanzi's verse recitation stands out for its theme on climate change. It squarely blames human activities as the cause of the unfolding catastrophe.
Kenya is currently gripped by a severe drought that has been partly blamed on climate change.
In the Kiswahili verse dubbed Matha Necha (mother nature) — composed by Murithi — young Kimamzi warns that no one would be spared the fury of climate change.
He says everyone is responsible in one way or another for the effects of climate change that has brought about extreme weather, unbearable heat, drought and desertification.
Murithi said he saw promise in the highly talented and brilliant Kimanzi and chose to train him in reciting the dramatised verse.
"Brian is a very bright boy. He is an all rounder learner. He does well in all subjects but loves languages," he said. "I noted the boy was the best among his classmates. However, he needs exposure this being his first time to engage in these activities. He is poised to go places."
The teacher said he intends to help the young lad hone and exploit his talent to the fullest through intensive training.
"I also wish to partner with individuals and organisations who would help young Kimanzi nurture his talent by exposing him to the right books, competitions and sponsorship," he said.