NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has announced that three of the world’s largest music companies — Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group — have agreed to establish a presence in Nairobi, marking a major push to position Kenya as a regional hub for the recorded music industry.
Ruto said the move followed discussions with Victoria Oakley, Chief Executive Officer of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), as Kenya seeks to strengthen its creative economy and attract global investment into the music sector.
In a statement after the meeting, the President said the decision by the global music giants represented confidence in Kenya’s creative talent, policy direction and ongoing reforms aimed at building a competitive music ecosystem.
“I am particularly delighted that Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group have all agreed to establish a presence in Nairobi,” Ruto said.
He added that the next phase would focus on implementation by creating an environment where musicians, producers, publishers and investors can work together to grow the industry.
Nairobi Eyes Africa’s Music Capital Status
The entry of major international music companies is expected to strengthen Nairobi’s position as one of Africa’s emerging creative centres.
The recorded music industry has grown rapidly across the continent, driven by streaming platforms, digital distribution and increasing global interest in African sounds.
Kenyan artistes have increasingly gained international audiences through genres such as Afro-pop, Gengetone, gospel and contemporary urban music, creating opportunities for partnerships with global labels.
Jobs, Exports and New Opportunities
Ruto said the government’s focus is to transform the creative sector into a major contributor to economic growth by supporting artistes, producers, publishers and investors.
He said a stronger music ecosystem would create jobs, increase exports of creative content and open new opportunities for Kenyan talent.
“The next phase is implementation, creating an environment where artistes, producers, publishers and investors can thrive together, generating jobs, exports and new opportunities for Kenyan creatives,” he said.
Government’s Creative Economy Push
The announcement comes as the government intensifies efforts to expand the creative economy through policy reforms, infrastructure development and international partnerships.
Kenya has identified the creative sector, including music, film, fashion and digital content, as an area with potential to create employment opportunities, particularly among young people.
Ruto said Kenya was positioning itself as a destination for global music investment.
“Kenya is open for music. Nairobi is ready,” he said.
The planned entry of Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group is expected to reshape Kenya’s music landscape by creating new pathways for local artistes to access global markets.
