The Kenya and US governments will co-host a Creative Economy Conference aimed at fostering talent and innovation across the creative sectors. The initiative follows discussions between President Ruto and US officials, emphasizing empowerment of youth, economic opportunities, and collaboration within the creative industries. The conference is expected to attract key players from both countries and lead to lasting partnerships, benefiting artists and creatives.
The governments of Kenya and the United States are set to co-host an innovative Creative Economy Conference later this year. This event aspires to bring together industry leaders, artists, and policymakers from both countries to enhance talent development and innovation across various creative sectors, such as film, music, and digital arts, ultimately generating greater economic opportunities for creatives.
The conference initiative stems from discussions held between President William Ruto and US officials during his state visit to Atlanta last year. Salim Mvurya, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, emphasized the government’s dedication to empowering youth through the creative economy.
“We are focused on empowering creatives economically and providing opportunities that inspire growth,” remarked Mvurya. He stated that the conference will serve as a platform for Kenyan and American creatives to share ideas, foster partnerships, and build sustainable careers.
Mvurya highlighted the creative economy’s significance for job creation, particularly for young people in Kenya, where sectors like digital content creation and film production thrive. He added that the conference will feature workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with industry experts from the United States and Kenya.
To secure long-term benefits for youth in the creative sector, Mvurya confirmed that the Kenyan government is actively developing policies and legislative frameworks conducive to growth. He reiterated the commitment to making the creative economy a core component of national development, as outlined 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,” Mvurya declared. The upcoming conference has created enthusiasm among Kenyan artists, filmmakers, and musicians eager to showcase their talents internationally.
Moreover, Mvurya expressed optimism regarding the participation of influential figures from Hollywood, the African film industry, and global streaming platforms. As preparations progress, stakeholders anticipate that this conference will significantly impact Kenya’s creative sector, promoting investment and skills exchange.
US Ambassador to Kenya, Marc Billard, reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Kenyan creativity, stressing the necessity of collaboration to unlock new 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 asserted.
Ambassador Billard also noted that American experience in entertainment and digital arts could greatly benefit Kenyan creatives. He explained that the conference would look into expanding market access, fostering joint ventures, and creating policies for fair compensation of creatives, stating, “Industry stakeholders expect that the event will lead to lasting partnerships, benefiting both nations.”
In conclusion, the upcoming Creative Economy Conference represents a significant collaborative effort between Kenya and the United States, aimed at empowering young creatives and enhancing economic opportunities within the creative sectors. By providing a platform for idea exchange and partnership building, this initiative hopes to transform the creative landscape in Kenya, paving the way for increased global recognition and investment. Both nations are committed to leveraging their strengths to ensure lasting benefits for their creative industries.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
