What You Need to Know
President William Ruto has called on Kenya’s creative sector to strive for global recognition, asserting that the country can surpass Afrocinema. Speaking at the Kenya National Drama Festival, he highlighted the world-class quality of local performances and announced formal government support for the arts, including predictable funding through education. Ruto emphasized the importance of redirecti
Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has challenged Kenya’s creative sector to aim for global dominance, saying the country has the potential to outperform Afrocinema if given the right support and structure.
Speaking at State House, during Kenya National Drama Festival State Concert, Ruto said performances he had witnessed demonstrated world-class standards capable of competing on the global stage.
“Looking at the scripts here and watching the performances, they are world-class—even better than Afrocinema. I think we can take this to the next level,” he said.
Drawing parallels with Kenya’s global success in sports, the president expressed confidence that the country could achieve similar status in the arts.
“We are a world-beating sports nation in many disciplines. I believe we also have the capacity to be a world-beating artistic nation,” he said.
“With the proper architecture, our men and women — our performers — will go places.”
Ruto announced that government support for the creative sector will now be formalized, including predictable funding through the education sector.
“This now becomes a budgetary item in the Ministry of Education so that there is predictable funding,” he said.
He also called for a shift in how resources are allocated, proposing that a portion of advertising budgets be redirected towards nurturing creative talent.
“If we are willing to invest in advertising, we must channel resources into drama and music festivals and branding where young people learn and influence one another,” he said, adding that accountability measures would be introduced through performance contracts and regular reporting.
The president praised the role of storytelling in shaping Kenya’s identity, noting that the past days had showcased the country’s cultural depth.
“For the past 12 days, we have witnessed an extraordinary display of culture and the limitless potential of our nation. Storytelling has always been at the center of our vibrancy,” he said.
He noted that the sector is evolving rapidly, driven by young people blending creativity with technology.
“Today, a new generation is embracing creativity and technology to protect our cultural vitality. More critically, drama is taking on a new and powerful meaning—creativity is no longer a hobby, but one of the fastest-growing sectors of our economy,” Ruto said.
To strengthen the industry, the president said the government would seek expertise to support policy and growth in the creative economy.
“We will look for expertise to work with government to ensure that the creative industry receives adequate attention,” he said.
Ruto also revealed plans to attend the upcoming Kalasha International Film and TV Awards, signaling continued state interest in the sector.
“Next month I will join creators at the Kalasha Awards. I am looking forward to that occasion—I cannot wait,” he said.
Kenya has a rich cultural heritage, with its arts and creative industries playing a significant role in shaping national identity. The government has increasingly recognized the potential of these sectors, particularly in the context of globalization and technological advancement. Recent initiatives aim to enhance support for artists and promote Kenyan culture on the international stage, reflecting a growing commitment to the creative economy.
The creative sector in Kenya has seen a surge in interest, especially among the youth, who are leveraging technology to innovate and express their cultural narratives. This evolution is crucial as the country seeks to position itself as a leader in the
