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Ruto forms Creative Economy Office to boost entertainment industry after his historic Kalasha Awards attendance
03rd May, 2026 12:38 AM
President William Ruto has announced the establishment of a Creative Economy Office at State House as part of sweeping new measures aimed at strengthening Kenya’s creative sector.
The announcement followed his attendance at the 14th edition of the Kalasha International Film and TV Awards held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, where he joined filmmakers, actors, and content creators in celebrating achievements within the industry.
In his statement shared shortly after the event on Saturday, May 2, 2026, Ruto said the creative economy lies at the heart of the country’s transformation agenda, noting that it plays a key role in empowering young people by unlocking talent, expanding opportunity, and driving inclusive economic growth.
“The creative economy lies at the heart of our transformation agenda – empowering our youth by unlocking talent, expanding opportunity, and driving inclusive growth. We have already taken concrete steps to strengthen the sector, including the establishment of a State Department for the Creative Economy in Government,” he wrote.
He highlighted that the government has already taken steps to support the sector, including the creation of a State Department for the Creative Economy within government structures to help coordinate policy and development in the industry.
To further deepen this commitment, the President announced the formation of a Creative Economy Office at State House, which will oversee key functions within the sector. He noted that the office will soon see the appointment of officials including a Director of Gaming, Secretary for Film Services, and Head of Music and Fashion.
“To deepen this commitment, I have created a Creative Economy Office at State House. Soon, we will appoint key officials, including the Director of Gaming, Secretary for Film Services, and Head of Music and Fashion,” he wrote.
Ruto also revealed plans to increase government support for the industry through advertising allocations, stating that 30 per cent of government advertising will be directed to creative platforms as part of efforts to grow the sector’s visibility and earnings.
“Joined our top film makers and content creators at the 14th Kalasha TV, Film Market and Awards at Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi, a platform that showcases the immense talent in our creative industry. As we scale up investment in the sector, we are moving towards directing 30 per cent of Government advertising to creative platforms,” he added.
He further urged Parliament to fast-track the Creative Economy Bill 2026 and strengthen copyright laws to ensure that creatives are protected and fairly compensated for their work.
He also expressed optimism about the future of the awards, stating that State House will bid to host the premier ceremony in the coming year as part of efforts to elevate the industry further.
“I also urge Parliament to fast-track the Creative Economy Bill 2026 and strengthen copyright laws so that our artistes are not only celebrated, but also protected and adequately rewarded for their work. Congratulations to all winners across various categories at this year’s ceremony. Next year, State House will bid to host the premier awards ceremony,” he wrote.
Author
Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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