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Savara meets William Ruto at State House
21st July, 2026 03:59 PM
Kenyan singer and songwriter Savara Mudigi met President William Ruto at State House during talks with IFPI CEO Victoria Oakley as Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group prepare to establish a presence in Nairobi.
The meeting, which was held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, focused on plans to strengthen Kenya’s creative economy and position Nairobi as Africa’s next major hub for the recorded music industry.
Photos shared by Ruto showed the Sauti Sol star greeting the president at State House, highlighting the growing collaboration between the government and key players in the music sector.
Although Savara did not publicly comment on the meeting, his presence at State House was seen as symbolic of the government’s efforts to involve leading Kenyan artistes in conversations shaping the future of the country’s music industry.
Sony music in Nairobi
Following the meeting, Ruto announced that global music giants Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group had agreed to establish a presence in Nairobi, describing the move as a major milestone for Kenya’s creative industry.
“It was a pleasure meeting Victoria Oakley, chief executive officer of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry,” Ruto said.
“I’m encouraged by the shared commitment to strengthening Kenya’s creative economy and positioning Nairobi as Africa’s next major hub for the recorded music industry.”
The head of state said he was encouraged by the shared commitment to strengthening Kenya’s creative economy and transforming Nairobi into a leading destination for the recorded music business in Africa.
“I am particularly delighted that Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group have all agreed to establish a presence in Nairobi,” he said.
According to the president, the decision by the three global record labels reflects growing confidence in Kenya’s creative talent and the government’s ongoing reforms aimed at building a globally competitive music ecosystem.
“This is a significant vote of confidence in Kenya’s creative talent, our policy direction, and the reforms underway to build a globally competitive music ecosystem,” he added.
“The next phase is implementation, creating an environment where artistes, producers, publishers and investors can thrive together, generating jobs, exports and new opportunities for Kenyan creatives.”
Ruto further reaffirmed Kenya’s ambition to become a continental powerhouse in music, declaring that the capital city is ready.
“Kenya is open for music. Nairobi is ready,” Ruto stated.
