The government has rolled out plans to support poets monetise their content.
Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba said Poetic work will be recognized as part of creative arts opening up opportunities for thousands of poets across the country to earn from their content.
His ministry, he said was in the process of formulating policies to support poets and other creatives through the Talanta Hela Initiative.
Speaking in Kisumu during the East Africa Poetic Hour Battle 2024 edition, the CS said the policies will support the identification, monitoring and nurturing of talents in poetry for sustainable livelihoods.
“We want when you are here entertaining people and enjoying yourselves you also make a living out of it,” he said.
“For those creatives who are making this an area of speciality I want to assure you that my ministry which is in charge of creative arts is your home,” he added.
Kisumu governor Anyang Nyong’o said poetry plays a critical role in documenting the history and life of a people and must be supported for posterity.
“Poetry is a granary of the history and life of the people. They do this in short verses but within one verse you learn alot,” he said.
The poetic battle organised by Talent Industry, brought together poets from East Africa to showcase their talent and assert the role of poetry in shaping the society.
Talent Industry Managing Director (MD) Godfrey Emoja said the theme of the battle ‘online misinformation’ was in line with the current trends in the region following the liberalisation of airwaves and penetration of the Internet.
Emoja said poetry was part of the creative industry, lauding the government for declaring support to help poets and artists monetise their content.
“The recognition of poetry as a form of employment is something we have all been praying for and finally it is happening,” he said.
By Chris Mahandara
