The spoken word erupted into a rallying cry for justice and recognition at the East Africa Poetic Hour Battle, where young voices demanded fair value for their craft and urged the continent’s youth to use poetry as a weapon for social transformation.
Held at Kisumu’s Baraza Media Lab under the theme “From Plate to the Policy Table,” the contest brought together 15 poets from across the region, each using fiery verses to challenge corruption, poor governance, and social injustice.
Uganda’s Master Darken, just 17 and already first runner-up, declared that his stage persona empowers him to confront leadership failures.
“I use my poetry to speak up for our rights and demand integrity in leadership,” he told the crowd, urging fellow youth to hold leaders accountable through art.
Kenya’s Laker Patience, the 2024 champion, set the tone by challenging the creative industry to invest in poets.
“Lovers of poetry must embrace paying for sessions just as they would for other sporting events,” she said, pointing to her U.S. fellowship as proof that poetry can open global doors.
Government attention was not absent. Chief Guest Dr. Ouma Oluga, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Medical Services, hailed the poets’ clarity and courage.
“Young people are agile, and I believe this is what the country is, full of potential,” he said, adding that the Ruto administration welcomes youth-driven dialogue.
Talent Industry founder and director Godfrey Emoja praised the battle for going beyond performance.
“They’re using poetry to demand social justice, drive empowerment, and shatter governance barriers,” he said, revealing plans for a collaborative book to amplify the poets’ advocacy.
The night ended with Kenya’s Lady Partaker crowned the 2025 champion, cementing Kisumu’s growing reputation as a regional arts hub and proving that poetry in East Africa is no longer just entertainment, it is a pulpit for change, a demand for value, and a voice for the voiceless.
