Kenya’s creative arts industry has been identified as a major engine of economic growth in the coming decade, with stakeholders predicting it could produce millionaires and global entrepreneurs through digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI).
Comedian and radio host Daniel Ndambuki, popularly known as Churchill, noted that the country is already witnessing thousands of young creators earning a living from platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. He stressed the importance of nurturing talent from childhood, saying early mentorship would change the perception that careers in the arts must wait until adulthood.
“The creative economy gives Africa a platform to tell its stories through film, music, art, and comedy while reaching global audiences,” he said.
The government has also rolled out incentives, including positioning Kenya as a film-making hub and expanding freedoms to support content creation. However, creatives are calling for structured industry frameworks, tax relief on earnings, and expanded internet access to make content creation more accessible.
Meanwhile, the inaugural Chacho Kids show—set for November 8 at Uhuru Ulinzi Grounds in Nairobi—will target over 20,000 children. Organizers say the initiative aims to help young people discover, monetize, and refine their talents, with plans to expand the event to Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.
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