Creative film producer Krysteen Savane Knighted with France’s Order of Arts and Letters

Anno's One Fine Day Art Centre director Krysteen Savane and French Ambassador Arnaud Suquet pose for a photo during the award ceremony at AOFD centre in Kibra, on February 9, 2026./DOUGLAS OKIDDY

Kenyan multi-talented artist Krysteen Savane, who is also the director of Anno's One Fine Day Art Centre, Kibera, has been awarded the insignia of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters).

The award is one of France’s highest cultural distinctions, in recognition of her lifelong dedication to arts and culture on Kenya’s creative scene and her deep engagement in transforming the lives of young people through art and fostering cultural exchange between Kenya and France.

The award ceremony was held at Anno’s One Fine Day Art Centre, located in Kibera, Nairobi, a well-modern, creative, safe space and nurturing environment for young adults who pursue creative disciplines, including music, African dance, ballet, creative writing, drama, acrobatics, film, and visual arts to discover their unique abilities, learn new skills and improve their lives.

AOFD dancers entertain guests during the ceremony at the centre on February 9, 2026./DOUGLAS OKIDDY

The honour was bestowed by the French Ambassador Arnaud Suquet, who highlighted Savane's creative influence and her commitment to strengthening cultural ties through her work.

During his speech, the Ambassador of France to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, noted the award reflected France’s appreciation of artists who build bridges across cultures.

The centre was built thanks to the generous support of the German Embassy, but also to a certain extent with the assistance of the French one, notably regarding the installation of Anno's One Fine Day´s Ballet Dance Studio.

This lasting partnership with France took various shapes, from the remarkable role played by Léonore Baulac, principal dancer at the Paris Opera Ballet, to offering ballet danse courses, to, for instance, the hosting last June of a Charity Art Exhibition “Dream Weaving by the Embassy.”

Display of the insignia of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) during the ceremony on February 9, 2026./DOUGLAS OKIDDY

The Ambassador further noted that France remains committed to supporting artistic collaboration in Kenya, recognising culture as the key pillar of bilateral relations beyond diplomacy and trade.

"Beyond those various initiatives that contribute to structuring the unique services offered by this centre to the Kibera community, we are today gathered to pay tribute to your engagement, alongside your beautiful team, in favour of culture for all, and especially in favour of the youth of Kibera, the beating heart of Nairobi.

We all share your firm belief that creative education is a paramount venue for nurturing young people. And today, we can all see that this conviction led you to establish this centre as a key element of the social fabric of Kibera, providing hands-on training, equipping young artists with the skills to turn their creativity into sustainable income, enhancing community development, and offering a positive and engaging space for youth."

AOFD director Krysteen Savane being awarded the insignia of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet on February 9, 2026./DOUGLAS OKIDDY

Receiving the insignia, Savane described the honour as a deeply personal and collective effort through teamwork and support from friends and family.

“I am deeply humbled and honoured to be knighted by the Government of France, a country that has consistently shown profound commitment to supporting culture and the creative arts, here in Kenya. Je continuerai à travailler avec les Français. Art speaks in many ways, and with time, I truly believe it is art that will change the world. While I may see my contribution to Kenya’s creative scene as modest, I am incredibly grateful that this work has been recognised today.”

She added that her art centre was founded as a space for exchange and mentorship, making the venue of the ceremony especially significant.

“This Journey hasn’t been mine alone. I have walked it with many people; most of you here know where we started and where we are. First and foremost, I would like to particularly thank Nick Reding for believing in me when I did not believe in myself and for allowing me to become who I am today. The lessons I learned from you and from the entire Safe Kenya family are lessons I carry with me every day.” Savane noted.

AOFD director Krysteen Savane pose for a photo with the Danish Ambassador to Kenya Stephan Schonemann, with his wife, French Ambassador Arnaud Suquet and the Deputy Ambassador of Germany Alexander Fierley during the award ceremony on February 9, 2026./DOUGLAS OKIDDY

The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, instituted by the French Ministry of Culture in 1957, is awarded to individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the promotion and enrichment of arts and culture in France and around the world. For over sixty-five years, the order has honoured creators, thinkers, visionaries, and cultural ambassadors.

The rank of Chevalier is among the most respected recognitions bestowed on artists worldwide.

The ceremony brought together diplomats, among them, the Danish Ambassador to Kenya, Stephan Schonemann, the Deputy Ambassador of Germany, Alexander Fierley, artists, cultural practitioners, and close associates, reflecting the close and evolving cultural relationship between Kenya and France, particularly in the visual arts sector.

With this distinction, Krysteen Savane joins a distinguished group of international cultural figures, reinforcing Kenya’s growing presence on the global arts stage and highlighting the enduring role of culture in strengthening people-to-people relations between the two countries.