Kenya eyes US creative industry as blueprint to lift GDP share to double digits
The ambition took centre stage at the US-Kenya Creative Economy Forum held on Thursday in Nairobi, which brought together creatives, policymakers and investors from both countries.
Kenya is exploring opportunities, mainly as a strategic partner, to tap into the United States’ vibrant creative industry, which is currently valued at over $1 trillion.
This is as it seeks to expand the contribution of its own creative economy to double digits of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
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The ambition took centre stage at the US-Kenya Creative Economy Forum held on Thursday in Nairobi, which brought together creatives, policymakers and investors from both countries.
In his opening remarks at the forum, Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya stated that the government’s ambition through such forums is to increase the creative economy’s contribution to the national GDP from the current five per cent to 10 per cent in the medium term.
“The creative economy here in Kenya is no longer a free sector. It is a force for economic transformation and through this partnership, we seek to position Kenya not just as a consumer but as a leading exporter of world-class content and talent,” Mvurya said.
He added that the government is in the process of implementing a creative economy master plan aligned with Vision 2030 and the African Continental Free Trade Area in a bid to spur the local industry.
“First, we are committed to expediting the passage of the Creative Economy Bill. This Bill and legislation will provide a structured framework for monetisation, streamline regulatory hurdles, and unlock private sector financing and tax incentives.”
Mvurya further noted that the state is working to finalise the Intellectual Property Bill and related policies.
“Collectively, the reforms are geared towards institutionalisation, organisation, increased funding for anti-piracy operations, stricter penalties for infringement, public awareness campaigns, and the integration of digital rights management systems, " Mvurya added.
Maxwell Okello, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce of Kenya (AmCham Kenya), emphasised that Kenya’s creative economy has significant potential to attract investment, drive innovation and fuel entrepreneurship.
He attributes this potential to the sector’s faster growth rate compared to others.
“The industry is growing 60 per cent faster than other sectors,” Okello said.
“We are laying the groundwork for a creative economy that is, one, mainstream, two, investable, and three, scalable. One that turns potential into prosperity and talent into industry,” Okello added.
Other Kenyan officials and creatives at the forum highlighted the need for policy reforms, infrastructure development, and skills training to establish the country as a regional creative hub and enhance its appeal to investors.
They largely pointed to the US model as an example of how targeted support and innovation can transform the sector into a major economic driver.
On the other hand, participants from the US committed to forming partnerships with Kenyan counterparts in film, music, fashion, sports and digital arts.
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