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Ruto explains why Kenya is pushing to host Grammy Awards
09th September, 2026 11:35 AM
President William Ruto has revealed that Kenya’s ambition to host the Grammy Awards is part of a broader plan to position the country as a permanent centre for African creative production.
Ruto made the remarks on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, during the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Business Summit in Nairobi, where he outlined his administration’s plans to attract investment into Kenya’s creative economy.
Grammy bid goes beyond one ceremony
Speaking at the summit, Ruto said Kenya’s interest in hosting the prestigious awards was not simply about staging a major international entertainment event.
“Our ambition to host the Grammy Awards is not about one ceremony or one moment of fanfare,” Ruto said.
He explained that the government’s bigger objective is to attract major players in the global creative industry and establish Kenya as a destination for creative investment.
“It’s about attracting studios, labels, platforms and investors and making Kenya a permanent centre of African creative production,” he added.
Ruto also highlighted Kenya’s determination to secure the opportunity, saying, “Four countries bid for Grammys. It is only Kenya that stepped up.”
The President acknowledged questions surrounding the financial commitment involved in the initiative.
“Many people asked me why I am paying Sh500 million for that,” Ruto said.
Building a creative industry
According to Ruto, the Grammy initiative should be viewed within the wider objective of growing Kenya’s creative economy.
Attracting international studios, record labels, streaming platforms and investors could create new opportunities for musicians, producers, songwriters, filmmakers, actors and other creative professionals.
The investment could also help strengthen the infrastructure required to produce, distribute and commercialise African content for international audiences.
Ruto has previously called for Kenya to take a bigger role in the global creative economy, arguing that African countries should not only participate in global creative value chains but also invest, own and shape the creative products and narratives that reach audiences worldwide.
Kenya’s long-term ambition
The President’s latest remarks therefore present the Grammy bid as more than an awards ceremony.
Ruto wants the international attention generated by the Grammys to help attract businesses and investors that can establish a lasting creative ecosystem in Kenya.
The ambition is to have studios, labels and digital platforms operating in the country while giving local talent greater access to global markets.
For Kenya, the Grammy dream could therefore extend beyond one night of performances and awards to a long-term effort to establish the country as a leading hub for African music, film and other creative industries.
