Kericho: Kericho County residents are today poised to benefit from a major grassroots creative festival this weekend designed to promote mental health awareness while mentoring emerging talents from the region.

According to Kenya News Agency, the event dubbed ‘Professor Hamo Live: Nurturing Talents at the Grassroots’ is being held at Kiprugut Chumo Stadium in Kericho and is expected to draw thousands of residents from Kericho County and neighbouring regions. Speaking to KNA during final preparations at the event venue in Kericho, the event’s Media Coordinator, Ben Kurgat, affirmed that logistical arrangements are progressing smoothly and attendance projections have already exceeded initial targets.

‘We have already registered participants from Kericho, Narok, and Baringo counties. Ticket sales have hit the 90 per cent mark. We initially targeted 5,000 attendees, but we anticipate exceeding that number,’ said Kurgat.

Furthermore, Kurgat revealed that the event is designed to engage a diverse audience, including students from local tertiary institutions such as Kericho TVET, Belgut Technical Training Institute, Kabianga University, and the African Institute of Research and Development Studies (AIRADS). He noted that more than 300 aspiring performers were auditioned in the lead-up to the event, a rigorous selection process that not only highlighted the county’s abundant creative talent but also provided a platform for emerging artists to showcase their skills, gain visibility, and receive mentorship from established figures in the industry.

Kurgat emphasised the importance of intergenerational mentorship in the creative industry. ‘We have intentionally brought in seasoned local artists to provide mentorship to emerging talents. This is part of our broader goal to ensure sustainability and relevance in the creative space while using art as a tool to inspire and uplift society,’ he noted.

A host of celebrated comedians and artists are expected to grace the occasion, including Stella Koitie, popularly known as Jemutai; Comedian Kipkoech Japhet, alias MC Jafee; gospel musician Joel Kimeto of the Great Commission Singers; and veteran Kalenjin artist Philip Rono, known by his stage name Arap Laal. The event is sponsored by the Kichimchim Group of Companies in collaboration with the Kericho County Government, Imarisha SACCO, and the Office of the Senator, Kericho County.