In a bold and groundbreaking move, President William Ruto has announced the creation of a Creative Economy Office at State House, a monumental step in reimagining Kenya’s creative sector during the Kalasha Awards 2026.
This announcement, made on May 2, 2026, marks a defining moment in the country’s journey to empower its artistic talents and fuel an economic transformation driven by creativity.
The unveiling of this initiative came after an inspiring evening at the 14th Kalasha International Film and TV Awards at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), where the nation’s brightest filmmakers, actors, and content creators gathered to celebrate the milestones of Kenya’s ever-evolving entertainment industry.
President Ruto, in the midst of the celebration, reaffirmed his commitment to placing the creative economy at the core of Kenya’s transformation.
In an impassioned statement following the event, Ruto underscored the critical role the creative economy plays in shaping the future of the nation—empowering youth, unlocking untapped talent, and fostering inclusive economic growth.
“The creative economy lies at the heart of our transformation agenda. It is not just about creating art; it is about expanding opportunity, and it is about unlocking the immense potential that exists within our young people,” he declared.
As part of his ongoing efforts, the President revealed the creation of the Creative Economy Office at State House, a dedicated space where key decisions will be made to elevate and nurture the sector.
The new office will soon appoint pivotal figures—including a Director of Gaming, a Secretary for Film Services, and a Head of Music and Fashion—to ensure the creative industry thrives.
But President Ruto’s vision doesn’t stop there. He committed to propelling the sector even further with a game-changing move: directing 30% of all government advertising to creative platforms.
This allocation aims to amplify the visibility of Kenyan creatives and open up new streams of income, ensuring the industry can grow into a powerhouse that supports both local and international talent.
“We are scaling up investment in the creative sector, and by directing 30% of government advertising to creative platforms, we will ensure the industry receives the recognition it truly deserves,” he said.
Ruto also called on Parliament to accelerate the passage of the Creative Economy Bill 2026, urging lawmakers to strengthen copyright laws that protect artists’ rights and ensure they are compensated fairly for their work.
“Our creatives must not only be celebrated but also safeguarded,” he stressed, affirming that Kenya’s creative industry is ready for the global stage.
The President’s support for the Kalasha Awards also shines through in his plans for next year. He expressed his desire to host the prestigious ceremony at State House, reinforcing his commitment to elevating Kenya’s creative achievements on the world stage.
In a heartfelt congratulations to the night’s award winners, President Ruto lauded their talent as a testament to the boundless creativity flourishing in Kenya. “This event is a powerful reminder of what we are capable of as a nation. Our creative industry is a force to be reckoned with, and the world is watching,” he said.
With a clear vision for the future, Ruto’s establishment of the Creative Economy Office is a defining moment in Kenya’s growth as a cultural powerhouse. As the country embraces this new chapter, the world will soon witness a creative revolution that will propel Kenya’s talent onto a global stage.
President Ruto Announced His Best Kenyan Show and Artist At Kalasha Awards 2026
At the 14th Kalasha Awards 2026, President William Ruto revealed that his favorite Kenyan actor is Joe Kimani, the star behind the iconic Njoro wa Uba. Ruto praised the show’s relatable humor, saying, “I love the guy in the taxi—Njoro wa Uba. His conversations with Kenyans capture our daily lives perfectly.”
Ruto also expressed admiration for Kenyan music, highlighting Bien and his hit song “Finale”.
Making history as the first sitting president to attend the awards, Ruto’s presence underscored his strong support for Kenya’s creative industry. His attendance was a powerful reminder of the importance of celebrating local talent.
Ruto Apologizes for Denying Daughter Film Career: “I Was Wrong”
In a heartfelt moment at the 14th Kalasha Awards, President William Ruto publicly apologized to his daughter for discouraging her dream of pursuing a film career.
Reflecting on his past mistake, he admitted, “I told her no when she wanted to study film after Form 4. Watching the incredible work here tonight, I now see that was wrong.”
Ruto shared how his daughter, now an interior designer, had always dreamed of filmmaking, and he acknowledged, “If she’s watching, I hope she knows—I was wrong, and she was right.”
His emotional confession highlighted a shift in perspective, inspired by Kenya’s vibrant creative industry.
