Sony, Universal and Warner Music to establish presence in Nairobi, Ruto confirms
By Paulette Mboga, July 21, 2026The Kenyan music scene is set to receive a major boost after President William Ruto announced that Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group have agreed to establish a presence in Nairobi.
Sony is among the world’s No. 1 music publishing companies and prides itself on housing the greatest collection of songs in the world. Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group have also established a portfolio by working with some of the biggest artistes across the globe.
He shared the update after meeting Victoria Oakley, the Chief Executive Officer of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
“It was a pleasure meeting Victoria Oakley, Chief Executive Officer of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry,” President William Ruto said.
Ruto said the meeting focused on strengthening Kenya’s creative economy and positioning Nairobi as Africa’s next major hub for the recorded music industry. He explained that the discussions reflected a shared commitment to growing the country’s music sector.
“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,” President William Ruto said.
The president also announced that the three global music companies had agreed to establish a presence in Nairobi. He described the move as an important step for Kenya’s music industry and said it reflects confidence in the country’s creative sector.
Focus shifts to implementation
“I am particularly delighted that Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group have all agreed to establish a presence in Nairobi,” President William Ruto said.
Ruto explained that the decision is a sign of confidence in Kenya’s creative talent, government policies and the reforms being carried out to support the music industry. He said the country is working towards building a music ecosystem that can compete on the global stage.
“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,” President William Ruto said.
The president added that the next step will be putting the plans into action. He said the goal is to create an environment where artistes, producers, publishers and investors can work together while creating jobs, increasing exports and opening up more opportunities for Kenyan creatives.
“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,” President William Ruto said.
Ruto ended his statement by saying Kenya is ready to welcome more investment into the music industry. He expressed confidence that Nairobi is prepared to become an important destination for the recorded music business in Africa.
“Kenya is open for music. Nairobi is ready,” President William Ruto said.