Salutations
Key Note Speaker,
Prof. Madimabe Geoff Mapaya,
Professor of Music University of Venda (UNIVEN)
South Africa
Guest Speaker
Dr. Kahithe Kiiru
Production manager/Head Choreographer
Bomas of Kenya (Kenya)
Members of the University Management,
Deans of Schools,
Directors,
Faculty and Students from the School of Music and Media,
Conference participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Morning!
I am pleased to welcome you all to our 12th Annual International Research Conference hosted by the School of Music and Media. So far, we have hosted the Media and Communication Conference in March, Law Conference, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and School of Pharmacy Conference in June and the Mathematical, Pure and Applied Sciences Conference in July this year.
We thank the Almighty God for His care and tender mercies since the last year’s international conference held by the School of Music and Media. It is indeed His faithfulness that we have been able to come this far.
Up until last year, the entire world was still grappling with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As a mitigation measure, Kabarak University decided to hold last year’s international conferences hybrid. This year’s international conferences shall be conducted in the same manner not only to observe the ministry of health Covid-19 protocols, but also to give an opportunity for many people to listen, follow and participate from around the globe.
I would also like to bring to your attention the structural developments within the University. Last year’s Annual International Research Conference was organized by the School of Music and Performing Arts. The University has since had the name of the School changed to “School of Music and Media” after transferring the Department of Mass Communication from School of Education to create the School of Music and Media.
As Kabarak University, we appreciate the fact that music is an under-tapped area, a very precious yet evolving industry. Music and other performing arts help us appreciate the cultural diversities and talent around the globe.
However, the question remains, “what role do music and other performing arts play in sustainable development?”
This year’s conference theme is entitled “Refocusing Music and Other Performing Arts for Sustainable Development.” Music and performing arts play crucial roles in both local and global spheres.
These roles include but not limited to entertainment, communication, creative economic development, conflict resolution, advocacy for peace and cohesion, music therapy as well as the dissemination of moral values in our societies.
Moreover, after the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations member states, Kenya has since put commendable effort in developing strategies such as vision 2030 and the big 4 Agenda that align and accelerate the achievement of the SDGs.
To further this effort, music and performing arts play a critical role as an agent of social change by activating the social imagination and bringing forth a better understanding of an increasingly intricate world.
This is possible because of the capacity of music and performing arts to use language in its simplest form, language that resonates with the heart and mind of man. Music can therefore address the most persistent challenges in our generation- a step towards achieving the SDGs.
For this reason, Kabarak University has organized this International Conference to offer a readily available platform to share research outputs, network with other researchers and identify creative ideas for the betterment of the industry and advancement of the SDGs.
I urge all conference participants and the researchers at large to utilize this platform so gracefully given to bring forth their potential for a better future.
On behalf of the entire Kabarak University fraternity, I wish to welcome everyone and declare this year’s International Conference for the School of Music and Media officially opened. Finally, I want to thank you all for gracing this conference.
Thank you and God bless you.
Prof. Henry K. Kiplangat, PhD, MBS, OGW
VICE-CHANCELLOR
