Students now earning money from their artistic work - Education PS Belio Kipsang

Speaking in Embu during the official launch of the 62nd Kenya National Drama and Film Festival being jointly held at the Kangaru Secondary School and Embu University, PS Kipsang said through the help of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), the content being created by the three groups is now being monetised.

"“We were directed by the President last year during the State Concert that we need to make this process earn an income both to our children, to their institutions and to this country. I am happy I can report today that through the KICD there has been a lot of development on the same and we can tell you our children have started earning”, PS Kipsang said.

The PS further said the festival dubbed “Unlocking Opportunities for Social-Economic Transformation through Drama and Film” resonates with the government’s agenda of promoting creative arts through drama, film, music and visual arts.

He added that the government recognizes the immense potential of the creative sector and is committed to creating an enabling environment for artists, creators, and cultural entrepreneurs to thrive.

"We are investing in state-of-the-art cultural infrastructure such as theaters, art galleries, and studios. These facilities provide spaces for artists to create, collaborate, and showcase their work to local and international audiences,” Kipsang reiterated. 

The PS said in order to constantly finance the creative industry, the government has established funding mechanisms, grants, and subsidies to support artists and cultural organisations.

He singled out the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund as one key initiative that the government is riding on to continuously support talent programmes, not just at the Ministry of Education but also among the youth.

“We are working closely with stakeholders in the creative industries, including music labels, film production companies, publishing houses, and fashion designers, to create a conducive environment for growth and innovation. This includes regulatory reforms, tax incentives, and market access opportunities to stimulate investment and job creation within the sector”, he added. 

Kipsang was accompanied by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire. Ahead of the launch, they led other stakeholders in planting 8,000 trees.