Young Nation Kids Fest blends fun, learning and career discovery

By  Lynet Igadwah

Senior Reporter

Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

• More than 39 exhibitors, including financial institutions, insurance companies, retailers and healthcare providers, participated in the event.
• the festival offered a range of recreational activities, including bouncing castles, trampolines, horse riding, quad biking and dance sessions.

It was a colourful, fun-filled day as more than 2,000 children and parents gathered for the inaugural Young Nation Kids Fest, where children showcased their talents, explored career interests and engaged in activities designed to inspire creativity and learning.

Dressed in outfits depicting their dream professions, children turned up as pilots, engineers, models, doctors and dancers, among other professionals, bringing their ambitions to life in an event that celebrated skills, imagination and responsibility among Kenya’s young generation.

Organised by Nation Media Group (NMG), the festival was held at the Kenya School of TVET, bringing together families, exhibitors and partners for a day of entertainment, career discovery and interactive learning.

More than 39 exhibitors, including financial institutions, insurance companies, retailers and healthcare providers, participated in the event, offering children and parents an opportunity to interact with different brands and learn about their products and services.

NMG Chief Commercial Officer James Sogoti said the festival was an important investment in the company’s engagement with audiences, particularly children and families.

“Kids Fest is critical for our future, business and country. The big idea really is to create a connection with our audiences and also to connect with children now that they are on holiday,” he said.

Trainer Jackson Katei, who represented Kenya School of TVET Chief Executive Edwin Tarno, welcomed participants, describing it as an honour for the institution to host the inaugural festival.

He encouraged children to consider technical and vocational education and training (TVET), saying the sector offered opportunities for practical skills development.

“I encourage students that the future is TVET because the emphasis is on practical skills,” he said.

The institution trains tutors for TVET institutions across the country and has expanded its programmes to include training teachers in technical subjects for senior schools.

Beyond career exploration, the festival offered a range of recreational activities, including bouncing castles, trampolines, horse riding, quad biking, face painting, poetry and dance sessions, giving children opportunities to play, socialise and discover their interests.

Financial literacy also featured prominently, with ICEA Lion conducting a masterclass on financial planning and trust fund solutions, exposing families to the importance of preparing for their children’s financial future.

There was also an age-appropriate session on emotional well-being, confidence, self-expression and healthy relationships.

Among the partners and exhibitors were Britam, Nairobi West Hospital, House of Manji, ICEA Lion, the National Transport and Safety Authority, Co-operative Bank, Naivas, Liquid Gold Coffee, Cold Stone Creamery, Astra Aviation and Nairobi Mental Health Services. Participants also interacted with NMG’s products, including Newspaper in Education (NiE) and Mtoto News.

The Young Nation Kids Fest is a family-focused festival designed to bring children, parents and corporate partners together through entertainment, interactive experiences and learning.

The initiative seeks to provide a platform for children to showcase their talents, explore potential career paths and interact with emerging technologies while giving families an opportunity to bond.

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