Ruto plans creative industry showcase to close French Africa Summit

President William Ruto has announced plans for a major artists’ concert and creative showcase to mark the closing of the upcoming French Africa Summit set to be hosted in Nairobi next month.

Speaking during the 64th Kenya National Drama and Film Festival State Concert at State House, Nairobi on Friday, the President said the event will bring together creatives, highlighting the growing role of the creative industry in the global economy.

Ruto said drama, music and film have moved beyond artistic expression and are now a key pillar of economic growth and income generation.

The President said the creative economy has become one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, driven by digital technology and expanding online platforms.

“Creativity is no longer just as it may have been in the past. It’s now one of the fastest growing centres of the global economy,” he said.

He noted that with the rapid advancement of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, young creators now have global platforms at their disposal.

“Every individual with access to a phone and the internet has the world at their stage. Wherever they are, they can create their work,” Ruto said.

The President said global estimates place the creative economy at over 250 billion US dollars, with projections indicating continued expansion as more people join digital platforms.

He also pointed to the rising number of content creators worldwide, saying more than 200 million people are now actively producing digital content across platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

Ruto said Kenya is well positioned to benefit from this shift, particularly among young people who are increasingly engaging in creative industries.

“This is a tremendous opportunity that young people must be part of. It is not enough to simply recognise it. We must step forward with confidence,” he said.