Govt to introduce charges for Kenyans watching school games, music festivals
By David Nthua, August 16, 2025The Kenyan government will soon be charging Kenyans who wish to watch music and sports content by students across the nation.
Speaking during the 97th Kenya Music Festival State Concert at Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri on Saturday, August 16, 2025, the Directorate of e-Citizen, via Madam Faith Pino, said that new measures are being put in place to digitise and monetise school events.
Faith explained that the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), is working with the e-Citizen platform to bring the content closer to the public.
“Your Excellency, sir, the Directorate of e-Citizen services, together with KICD, are working together to ensure that the content you see here and the content available at Kenya Drama Festival as well will be visible starting next week.
“We can access them live on the e-Citizen platform. Every click will be Ksh200 per view. The revenue will be used to boost the Ministry of Education,” she said.
Digitising arts and sports
According to the announcement, the initiative is not limited to music and drama alone. Faith confirmed that plans are underway to extend digitisation to school sports as well.
“We also intend to go forward and digitise sports. Secondary schools’ and primary schools’ sports will also be visible to the members of the public in the platform,” she added.
The move is part of a broader government effort to tap into digital platforms for service delivery and revenue generation.
Officials say the initiative will not only make it easier for Kenyans to access cultural and sports events remotely but also create a new funding stream for education programmes.
Balancing access and revenue
While the plan was received with applause at the Sagana event, it is expected to spark public debate once rolled out.
Supporters argue that Ksh200 per view is a modest charge that will help sustain school programmes and give students wider visibility.
Critics, however, may question whether such fees could limit access for ordinary Kenyans who cannot afford to pay.
For now, the government maintains that the revenue will directly boost the Ministry of Education and help modernise learning through digital tools, while also positioning arts and sports at the heart of Kenya’s creative economy.