The government of Kenya and the United States will co-host a groundbreaking Creative Economy Conference later this year, uniting industry leaders, artists, and policymakers from both nations. The event aims to foster talent development and drive innovation across the creative sectors, including film, music, and digital arts, with the goal of enhancing economic opportunities for creatives.
The initiative follows bilateral discussions between President William Ruto and United States (US) officials during his state visit to Atlanta last year.
The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening the creative economy as a means of empowering young people.
“We are focused on empowering creatives economically and providing opportunities that inspire growth,” stated Mvurya, noting that the conference will offer a platform for Kenyan and American creatives to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and develop sustainable careers.
The CS reiterated that the creative economy has emerged as a crucial sector for job creation, particularly for youth in Kenya, where digital content creation, film production, and music have gained significant traction.
He added that the conference is expected to feature workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions with industry experts from both countries.
To ensure long-term benefits, Mvurya assured that the Kenyan government is fast-tracking policies and legislative frameworks that will create an enabling environment for young people in the creative sector.
He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the creative economy a pillar of national development as enshrined in the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“We are working on policies that will support creatives to commercialize their talent, access funding, and thrive in the global market,” announced the CS, highlighting that the upcoming conference has generated excitement among Kenyan artists, filmmakers, and musicians who see it as a unique opportunity to showcase their work on an international platform.
Additionally, the CS expressed with optimism that the event is expected to attract key players from Hollywood, the African film industry, and global streaming platforms.
As preparations for the conference gain momentum, stakeholders in the creative industry are hopeful that the event will mark a turning point for Kenya’s creative sector, paving the way for increased investment, skills exchange, and global recognition.
At the same time, US Ambassador to Kenya, Marc Billard, emphasized the United States’ commitment to supporting Kenya’s creative industry, noting that collaboration between the two nations is key to unlocking opportunities.
“The youth are our future, and creating opportunities that connect talent, skills, and knowledge between Kenya and the US remains a key objective that we will continue to advance,” he vowed.
Amb. Billard also pointed out that the US has a wealth of experience in the entertainment industry and digital arts, which Kenyan creatives can leverage to scale their work globally.
He mentioned that the conference will explore ways to expand market access, encourage joint ventures, and strengthen policies that promote fair compensation for creatives.
“Industry stakeholders expect that the event will lead to lasting partnerships, benefiting both nations,” he said.
By Clinton Ng’iela
