President Ruto Meets Kenyan Artistes, Pledges Support for Creative Sector
By Jackline Arusei,
NAIROBI, Kenya – June 10, 2025 – President William Ruto today hosted a delegation of Kenyan artistes at State House, Nairobi, where he engaged in a candid dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing the country’s vibrant creative industry.
During the meeting, which brought together musicians, actors, filmmakers, visual artists, and other stakeholders from the cultural sector, the artistes appraised the President on the key issues affecting their livelihoods, including inadequate funding, copyright protection, access to global markets, and policy gaps that hinder the growth of the creative economy.
In his remarks, President Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the country through bold, people-centered leadership and emphasized the role of the creative industry in shaping the nation’s cultural and economic landscape.
“Kenya will be transformed by leaders who are prepared to take bold and decisive steps to change the lives of our people,” said President Ruto. “Through bold decisions, we have made great strides in stabilizing the economy, increasing agricultural productivity, and enhancing social security for a better future. Equally, we have made tough choices to make affordable housing a reality and to ensure the provision of universal healthcare.”
Speaking specifically to the issues raised by the artistes, the President acknowledged their concerns and pledged to work closely with the creative sector to unlock its full potential.
“Today, I met with artistes who appraised me of the issues affecting their sector. We had a frank and productive discussion. I appreciate their honesty and passion,” he said. “We have agreed to work together to build a better Kenya for all—one where talent is nurtured, creativity is rewarded, and culture is celebrated as a cornerstone of national identity and economic development.”
The artistes welcomed the President’s assurances and expressed optimism about the prospects of a more structured and inclusive policy framework that prioritizes the needs of creators. Several participants also called for the establishment of a national endowment fund for the arts, stronger enforcement of intellectual property laws, and the development of infrastructure such as cultural centers and training institutions.
This meeting is part of President Ruto’s ongoing consultations with various sectors of society aimed at fostering inclusive growth and ensuring that the voices of all Kenyans are heard in the formulation of government policies.
As the creative industry continues to grow in significance, both culturally and economically, today’s engagement marks a significant step toward elevating the role of arts and culture in Kenya’s national development agenda.
