Works by Kenyan artists/HANDOUT
The government now asserts it is committed to supporting and growing the creative sector as a driver of economic and social transformation.
Principal Secretary for the State Department for Culture, the Arts, and Heritage Ummi Bashir, said the government is investing in the creative industry’s continued growth and development.
The announcement comes amid growing calls from artists for better support in areas such as copyright protection, financing, and exposure.
The government plans to establish creative hubs in major counties, offer grants to emerging artists, and collaborate with international partners to promote Kenyan art worldwide.
“Through continued investment in talent development, we are working to create an enabling environment where artists across all disciplines can thrive,” said PS Bashir.
“The government will continue to champion policies, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships that uplift our creatives, celebrate cultural diversity, and position the arts at the heart of our nation’s progress.”
Speaking during the World Art Day celebrations, the ministry maintained that it is working to decentralize arts and cultural initiatives, ensuring that counties like Nakuru play a central role in promoting creativity at the grassroots level.
She said that its importance to create more platforms and partnerships to enable artists to thrive and position the arts as a cornerstone of Kenya’s economic and social development.
“As we reflect on the power of the arts to unite and drive change, we call on all sectors—government, private, and community—to invest in this vital industry. The creative sector holds immense potential, and we must unlock it together,” the official said.
The event, organized in partnership with the Kenya Cultural Centre and other stakeholders, brought together artists, performers, government representatives, and cultural leaders from across the country.
World Art Day, officially recognized by UNESCO in 2019, is celebrated annually on April 15 to highlight the essential role of the arts in society. This year’s celebrations in Nakuru served as a vibrant reminder of art’s power to inspire, educate, and heal.
To encourage excellence and celebrate artistic achievement, participants in a range of categories—including acrobatics, deejay sets, monologues, percussion, and more—were awarded cash prizes of Sh100,000 each.
The event concluded with a renewed pledge by the government to continue investing in policy, infrastructure, and strategic collaborations that elevate Kenyan creatives and place culture at the heart of national progress.
