Kenya and USA to Host Creative Economy Conference to Foster Innovation
Kenya and the United States will co-host a Creative Economy Conference aimed at boosting talent and innovation within the creative sectors, including film and music. The event will feature workshops and networking opportunities, following discussions between Kenyan President Ruto and US officials. Key leaders emphasize the importance of the creative economy for youth empowerment and job creation.
The government of Kenya and the United States are set to co-host the Creative Economy Conference, bringing together leaders, artists, and policymakers from both countries later this year. The conference aims to enhance talent development and spur innovation within creative sectors such as film, music, and digital arts, thereby improving economic prospects for creatives.
This initiative follows bilateral talks between Kenyan President William Ruto and US officials during his state visit to Atlanta last year. Salim Mvurya, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, emphasized the government’s dedication to bolstering the creative economy as a pathway to empower youth. “We are focused on empowering creatives economically and providing opportunities that inspire growth,” Mvurya highlighted.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the conference will facilitate exchanges of ideas, partnerships, and career development opportunities for creatives from both nations. He reiterated the importance of the creative economy, particularly for job creation among the youth in Kenya, with growing sectors in digital content creation, film production, and music.
Expected activities at the conference include workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions featuring industry experts from both countries. Mvurya assured that the Kenyan government is expediting the creation of supportive policies and legislative frameworks for the creative sector.
He emphasized the government’s objective to position the creative economy as a foundational element of national development, as highlighted in the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). “We are working on policies that will support creatives to commercialize their talent, access funding, and thrive in the global market,” he noted, expressing the enthusiasm surrounding the event among Kenyan artists and filmmakers.
Mvurya also highlighted expectations that influential figures from Hollywood, the African film industry, and global streaming platforms will attend. As preparations unfold, stakeholders within the creative industry are optimistic that the conference will serve as a catalyst for increased investment, knowledge exchange, and international recognition.
US Ambassador to Kenya, Marc Billard, underlined the commitment of the United States to support the Kenyan creative industry. He articulated that fostering collaboration between the two nations is crucial for unlocking opportunities. “The youth are our future, and creating opportunities that connect talent, skills, and knowledge remains a key objective,” he asserted.
Billard further noted that the US possesses extensive experience in entertainment and digital arts, which can significantly benefit Kenyan creatives. The conference aims to address market access, encourage joint ventures, and advocate for equitable compensation for creatives. “Industry stakeholders expect that the event will lead to lasting partnerships, benefiting both nations,” he stated.
The Creative Economy Conference set to be co-hosted by Kenya and the United States represents a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the creative sectors in both nations. By focusing on talent development, innovative partnerships, and supportive policies, the event is positioned to empower young creators and pave the way for economic opportunities. The collaboration between the two countries underscores the potential for mutual benefit and global recognition in the creative industries.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
