NAIROBI, Kenya—President William Ruto has announced that Kenya will bid to host the 2026 World Creative Economy Conference (WCCE).
The head of state said that this signals the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to celebrate Kenyan talent and showcase the country’s vibrant culture to the world.
“Hosting this conference will be a bold declaration of Kenya’s leadership in the creative economy,” said President Ruto.
What is the World Creative Economy Conference
WCCE is intended to further the dialogue around the creative economy’s impact on global development.
This conference follows the events held since 2018 and is part of a broader movement focused on the significance of creative industries.
Specific details about the event’s location, dates, and agenda are generally announced closer to the event date, so it’s advisable to check for updates as they become available.
“Our committed interventions are creating jobs and opportunities, and this is only the beginning,” said President Ruto.
The head of state said that his government is building on the foundation it has laid to create more jobs going forward.
“The essence of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda is to enhance our capacity for incremental achievement and thus accelerate our progress in delivering our commitments for the benefit of all Kenyans,” explained President Ruto.
Why President Ruto has cautioned industry players
At the same time, President Ruto lauded the actors in the Kenyan creative spaces whose work brings life to cities, streets, and screens, “yet their achievements are overshadowed by injustice.”
“Musicians, the heartbeat and soul of our culture, have long been denied their rightful earnings,” he added.
President Ruto further observed that it is unacceptable for an artist to earn as little as Sh 10,000 a year while those tasked with collecting their royalties pocket millions monthly.
“This injustice must end. The Kenya Copyright Board, in conjunction with industry players and ECitizen, must establish a transparent, real-time system for royalty collection and distribution to rightful owners and beneficiaries,” the head of state emphasised.
