Meru Teachers’ Choir Schools the Nation in Folk Dance – and They’re Just Getting Started

A group of meru teachers choir that was position one in the Kimeru folk dance. Proceeding for Gala tomorrow at Meru School. Photo/Martin Muthuri. 

Meru teachers are not just marking books — they’re marking dance steps too. And not just any steps. The Meru Teachers’ Choir has officially danced their way to the very top, scooping first place in the Folk Dance category at the ongoing Kenya Music Festivals National Finals, right here in Meru.

The victory comes barely two years since the group was formed, and only on their second appearance at the nationals. Last year, they reached the finals in Eldoret, but this year they decided to carry the whole trophy home — literally.

Their win also comes with an invite to tomorrow’s prestigious Gala at Meru School, where they’ll perform in front of none other than Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki. Talk about going from “staffroom practice” to State-level audience.

But as group member Martin Muthuri reveals, this success was not just handed to them like exam marking schemes. These teachers had to juggle work, family, and practice sessions — meeting every Sunday at Meru DEB Mwendatu Primary School. And let’s be honest, convincing a teacher to give up their Sunday is almost as hard as getting a Form One to hand in homework on time.

Financial challenges? They’ve seen those too. The group knocked on many doors for support — from the Meru Governor’s office to KUPPET, KNUT, and the Ministry of Culture — who all chipped in to keep the show on the road. The choir also performs at events, and this year, they’ve already secured a slot to perform at the Mashujaa Day celebrations, putting them firmly in the national spotlight.

“This is leading by example,” says Muthuri, linking the group’s achievement to the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which emphasizes skills and talents beyond the classroom.

Drawn from Primary, Junior Secondary, and High Schools across Meru, the group’s members are united under the leadership of Chairman Mr. Philip Musyoka of Mwirine Primary School. And they’re not done yet. They want more wins, more sponsors, and more stages to conquer.

As Mr. Muthuri puts it, “The sky is not the limit — it’s just the staffroom ceiling. And we’re dancing right past it.”

For well-wishers, sponsors, and donors who’d like to fuel this dream, Mr. Musyoka is ready to show you how to get involved. Because in Meru, even teachers know — if you want to make history, sometimes you have to dance to your own syllabus.

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About the Author

Felix Kinyua is a published author, strategic communications specialist, and freelance journalist with a passion for storytelling that captures both local flavor and national relevance. With a background in communications, media, and public policy, he has built a reputation for blending professionalism with relatable narratives that connect deeply with his audience. His work spans event coverage, human-interest stories, and creative features, often using subtle humor and cultural insight to bring stories to life.

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