The creative arts industry has been tipped to become one of the biggest drivers of Kenya’s economy in the next decade, creating millionaires and global entrepreneurs through digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI).
Stakeholders say Kenya’s strong internet connectivity, combined with the progress of the competency-based education that emphasises talent discovery, has placed the country in a prime position to harness the potential of its young people.
Comedian and radio presenter Daniel Ndambuki, popularly known as Churchill, said Kenya is already witnessing the rise of thousands of content creators who are earning a living from TikTok, YouTube, and other online platforms.
“While pathways like STEM which we also encourage young people to pursue will produce jewels, the creative arts pathway is set to be the real game changer. It will drive this economy and produce genuine millionaires within the next 10 years,” he said during the launch of the Chacho Kids Show in Nairobi.
Ndambuki asserts that nurturing skills from childhood will give young people a head start and change the perception that talent must wait until adulthood.
He added that the creative economy offers Africa a powerful platform to tell its own stories through art, music, film, and comedy, ensuring global audiences consumes authentic narratives.
The government has also been keen in supporting the creative economy through expansion of freedom and positioning the country as a film making destination among several other incentives in the industry.
“Why do Africans realise they have talent at 25 or 55 years? In the US, children as young as three can play instruments and start earning. Why can’t our children pay school fees through their talent? Can we start raising entrepreneurs at a young age?” he posed.
They also called for streamlining of the industry, through coming up with structures and bodies that will protect and provide the right environment to support creatives.
Other creatives called on the government to reduce taxes on their earnings as well as increase internet connectivity across the country for ease in content creation.
The inaugural Chacho Kids show which targets more than 20,000 children, aims to help them discover and harness their talents early, learn how to monetise them, and gain mentorship from established creative’s.
Organizers led by Daisy Rono said the show will be staged on November 8 at Uhuru Ulinzi grounds in Nairobi and will run every school holiday.
She said they plan to expand the event to Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, opening up regional opportunities for mentorship and creative exchange.
By Muoki Charles
