Artists in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary institutions have started earning from drama, film and music content.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang says through the help of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), the content being created by the three groups is now being monetized.
“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,” Dr. Kipsang said.
He made the remarks during the official launch of the 62nd Kenya National Drama and Film Festival being jointly held at the Kangaru Secondary School as well as Embu University in Embu County.
Dubbed “Unlocking Opportunities for Social-Economic Transformation through Drama and Film”, Dr. Kipsang said the theme resonates with the government’s agenda of promoting creative arts through drama, film, music and visual arts.
“These are not just forms of entertainment; they are powerful tools for cultural expression, social commentary, and economic growth,” he said.
The Principal Secretary said 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.
“To begin with, we areinvesting in state-of-the-art cultural infrastructure such as theaters, artgalleries, and studios. These facilities provide spaces for artists to create, collaborate, and showcase their work to local and international audiences,” he said.
At the school level, Dr. Kipsang said the government has mapped out talent centres, which will be the anchors of theatre in the counties.
He said in order to constantly finance the creative industry, the Government has established funding mechanisms, grants, and subsidies to support artists and cultural organizations.
“These financial resources are vital in enabling artists to produce high-quality work, develop their skills, and sustain their livelihoods,” said the Principal Secretary.
Dr. Kipsang 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.
He pointed out that the government is also investing in capacity-building programs, workshops, and training opportunities for artists across various disciplines.
“The Ministry has constantly funded trainers’, writers’ and adjudicators’ workshops for all our trainers in education institutions and that is one of the reasons there has been a huge improvement in the quality of performances as seen during the regional competitions,” said Dr. Kipsang.
Affirming that Kenya is a diverse nation with rich cultural heritage, the Principal Secretary said the country celebrate such diversity through initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue, cultural exchange, and the preservation of traditional arts and crafts.
He said the diverse nature of the country not only fosters national unity but also enhances her cultural orientation on the global stage.
“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,” said the Principal Secretary.
Dr. Kipsang similarly noted that arts play a crucial role in education, nurturing critical thinking, empathy, and self-expression.
He additionally said the skills and experiences gained through drama and film not only enrich lives but also prepare students for success in an ever-evolving world.
Before the launch of the festival, Dr. Kipsang, who was accompanied by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire led other government officials in a tree-planting exercise, where they were able to plant 8,000 trees.
“I am really glad that this gathering here in Embu has set aside a tree planting space every day of the festival so that by the time we are leaving Embu, we shall have planted in excess of 20,000 trees,” he said.