Kenya and USA to Co-Host Creative Economy Conference Focusing on Youth and Innovation

Kenya and the United States will co-host a Creative Economy Conference to promote talent and innovation in creative sectors. Led by Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, the initiative follows President Ruto’s discussions with US officials and aims to empower youth through opportunities in film, music, and digital arts. The event is expected to attract industry leaders and foster crucial partnerships for enhanced economic growth.

The governments of Kenya and the United States are set to co-host a pioneering Creative Economy Conference later this year, designed to unite industry leaders, artists, and policymakers from both nations. The primary focus is to stimulate talent development and innovation within the creative sectors, including film, music, and digital arts, thereby enhancing economic opportunities for creatives. This initiative stems from discussions between Kenyan President William Ruto and US officials during Ruto’s state visit to Atlanta last year.

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, underscored the government’s commitment to bolstering the creative economy as a means of empowering youth. He expressed, “We are focused on empowering creatives economically and providing opportunities that inspire growth,” emphasizing that the conference will facilitate the exchange of ideas and the establishment of partnerships between Kenyan and American creatives.

Mvurya remarked that the creative economy plays an essential role in job creation, particularly for the youth in Kenya, where sectors like digital content creation, film production, and music are flourishing. He mentioned that the event would feature workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions with industry experts from both nations to promote collaboration.

To maximize long-term benefits, the Kenyan government is expediting policies and legislative frameworks designed to create a favorable environment for individuals in the creative sector. Mvurya reiterated the commitment to elevating the creative economy as a cornerstone of national development as per the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). He revealed, “We are working on policies that will support creatives to commercialize their talent…” which has stirred excitement among Kenyan artists and filmmakers who view the conference as a gateway to international visibility.

Additionally, Mvurya expressed hope that the conference would attract influential figures from Hollywood, the African film industry, and global streaming platforms. Stakeholders in the creative domain anticipate that the event will be pivotal in enhancing investment, skill exchange, and global recognition for Kenya’s creative sector.

United States Ambassador to Kenya, Marc Billard, reaffirmed the commitment of the US to foster the growth of Kenya’s creative industry, stating that collaboration is vital for unlocking opportunities. He emphasized, “The youth are our future…” as this collaboration will facilitate connections among talents, skills, and knowledge between the two countries. Billard highlighted that the conference would seek to expand market access and promote fair compensation policies within the industry, asserting, “Industry stakeholders expect…lasting partnerships, benefiting both nations.”

The forthcoming Creative Economy Conference co-hosted by Kenya and the United States aims to empower youth and foster innovation within the creative sectors. By facilitating collaboration and partnerships between the two nations, the event is poised to generate significant economic opportunities for creatives. With policies in place to support growth, the conference represents a pivotal moment for Kenya’s creative industry and showcases the commitment of both governments to uplifting their respective creative economies.

Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke