•  The school is situated in the late President Daniel Arap Moi's former private residence on the Kabarak farm. Therefore making it not just a learning campus but a living legacy of history, fueling the future.
  • Central to the SMM are its top-tier professional recording studios, dedicated in a public ceremony in November 2022.
  • Kabarak University, through partnership with other organisations, continues to gradually broaden its horizons.
  • SMM students continue to excel at the Kenya Music Festival, make amazing films, and appear on national TV.

Located in the serene Rift Valley, a short 20 kilometres drive from Nakuru, The School of Music and Media (SMM) at Kabarak University is a unique creative hub. The school is situated in the late President Daniel Arap Moi's former private residence on the Kabarak farm. Therefore making it not just a learning campus but a living legacy of history, fueling the future.

The building still features the famous fireplace chimney, while the former master bedroom with its own bathroom is now a stylish office. The transformation of the presidential home into a lively centre of artistic creativity is a wonderful mix of the country's presidential history with first-rate creative education.

World-Class Facilities

Central to the SMM are its top-tier professional recording studios, dedicated in a public ceremony in November 2022. Acoustics and space were major considerations in the design of these modern studios.

Apart from sound isolation, these highly advanced studios feature incredible mixing consoles and the latest technologies. They enabling a wide range of music-related activities, including composing, production, film sound editing, voice-over recording, podcasting, music production, journalism, and photography training.

Besides the studios, the Amphitheatre is a stunning architectural icon on campus. This professional performance venue boasts excellent sound quality. It hosts theatre productions, live concerts, recitals, orchestra rehearsals, choir performances, film screenings, and cultural presentations.

The students learn using the latest laboratory equipment. They also receive thorough real-world training that skillfully merges African musical heritage with modern global technology. This exposure is made possible by the experienced instructors.

Combining Heritage with Innovation

The School of Music and Media has maintained the old-world aura and beauty of Moi’s residence. It also offers modern, world-class facilities. The quiet, natural setting inspires creativity, making it the perfect place for success to blossom.

Leading-edge Collaborations and the African Musicology Institute

Kabarak University, through partnership with other organisations, continues to gradually broaden its horizons. It has established links with the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) that will develop media training.

Similarly, through the partnership with NCBA Bank, students and SMEs will be empowered with financial literacy and AI-driven business skills.

At the same time, partners such as Nanjing Agricultural University (2+2 dual-degree programme) and Foreign Service Academy provide opportunities for global exposure.

Most importantly, in conjunction with the University of Venda (South Africa), Kabarak is home to the African Musicology Institute (AMI), the first in Africa. This institute, located within the School of Music and Media, embodies Mzee Moi’s grand vision of a music school that will influence the world for the next 200 years.

Student Achievements and Community Engagement

In fact, the evidence of their success is already visible. SMM students continue to excel at the Kenya Music Festival, make amazing films, and appear on national TV. Their success demonstrates the ability to combine inspiration from the past, excellent facilities, and committed mentorship.

Join​‍​‌‍​‍‌ the Legacy

Are you passionate about music, film-making, journalism, media, or cultural innovation? Then, Kabarak University School of Music and Media is the perfect place for you, offering a rare opportunity to study, create, and grow in an environment where Kenya's past and future merge harmoniously.

To this end, heritage is the driving force of innovation. Also, history is the muse of creativity. Every student here is not only given the skills but also the encouragement to lead in Kenya's cultural and creative industries.

Explore their courses and start your creative journey. Apply now and make this extraordinary legacy yours.


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