The Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB) has called for full inclusion of persons with visual impairment in Kenya's growing creative economy.
Speaking during the KSB @ 70 Talent Day & Inclusive Talent Showcase in Nairobi on Friday, KSB Vice Chair Anna Ooko said the creative sector cannot be truly transformative if it leaves out persons with disabilities.
"The creative economy must be inclusive. People with visual impairment are not merely beneficiaries; they are artists, performers, entrepreneurs, producers, content creators and business owners," Ooko said.
She said KSB's work supports the government's push to grow the creative economy as a driver of jobs and economic growth under Vision 2030.
"The Government is rightly investing in the creative economy as a driver of jobs, enterprise and economic growth. People with visual impairment must be part of this transformation. Inclusion cannot remain a principle on paper; it must translate into contracts, income, businesses and sustainable livelihoods," she added.
Ooko challenged corporates, media houses, cultural institutions and development partners to move beyond tokenism and invest directly in talent.
"Give them a stage. Commission their work. Engage them professionally. Pay them fairly. Open the doors. When we invest in talent, we are not giving charity - we are investing in Kenya's human capital and economic future," she said.
The Talent Day, which showcased artists with visual impairment, is part of KSB's 70-year journey of restoring dignity through education, rehabilitation and inclusion.
The event also highlighted the SANARA Project, supported by HEVA Fund, which is nurturing creative talent and linking creatives with opportunities in the creative sector.
KSB Executive Director Samson Waweru said the Society is focused on turning talent into livelihoods.
"Our next chapter is about turning talent into opportunity, creativity into livelihoods and inclusion into economic participation," Waweru said.
KSB will hold its 70th Anniversary Celebrations and Strategic Plan Launch from October 15-17 in Nairobi.
