Inside Ruto’s meeting with a section of Kenyan artistes
President William Ruto has held a meeting with a section of Kenyan artistes at State House, Nairobi, where they discussed the state of the creative industry and shared ideas on how to improve it.
In a statement shared on his official X account after the meeting on Monday night, June 9, 2025, Ruto said the artistes apprised him on various challenges facing their sector, including policy gaps, funding limitations, and lack of structured support from government agencies.
According to him, the meeting was part of broader efforts to ensure every sector contributes meaningfully to Kenya’s transformation.
“At State House, Nairobi, pleased to meet artistes who appraised me of the issues affecting their sector. We agreed to work together for a better Kenya for all,” Ruto stated.
In addition, the head of state emphasised the importance of engaging all industries, including the arts, in national development, adding that the country would be transformed by leaders who are prepared to take bold and decisive steps to change the lives of the people.
“Kenya will be transformed by leaders who are prepared to take bold and decisive steps to change the lives of the people,” he added.
Ruto further highlighted recent government efforts aimed at stabilising the economy, improving agricultural productivity, and strengthening social security. He noted that these gains have been achieved through courageous decisions and firm leadership.
“Through bold decisions, we have made great strides in stabilising the economy, increasing agricultural productivity and enhancing social security for a better future,” he stated.
The president went on to say that during the meeting, they made tough decisions to make affordable housing a reality and to ensure the provision of universal healthcare.
“Equally, we have also made tough decisions in making affordable housing a reality and ensuring the provision of universal healthcare,” Ruto said.
Among the notable creatives who attended were Miracle Baby, Karangu Muraya, Ngaruiya Junior and DJ Faxtso.
Kindiki meeting Mt Kenya artistes
This meeting comes days after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki vowed to host more than 500 artistes following Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s call for Kenyans to boycott musicians who visited him in Karen.
“He speaks with contempt and menaces people. If you look at me now, I truly am not easily intimidated. Let us show mutual respect. Those musicians came fifty; now I intend to invite five hundred more to assemble in Karen and see what you will do,” Kindiki said on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
During the previous meeting, Kindiki underscored the economic potential of the creative sector, highlighting the need for supportive policies and stronger protection of intellectual property rights to empower artists and foster sustainable growth.
Among the notable musicians who attended were Samuel Muchoki Ndirangu, alias Samidoh and Ben Githae.
In attendance were Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a and her counterparts, John Njuguna Wanjiku (Kiambaa), Mburu Kahangara (Lari), Elijah Njoroge (Gatundu North), and Githua Wamacukuru (Kabete), who pledged their commitment to legislative efforts that back the creative economy.
