County Pledges support for the creative industry

Nakuru, Friday, June, 23, 2023

KNA by Veronica Bosibori

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika today pledged to support the creative industry in the County to leverage on the opportunities in the sector for job creation and tourism attraction.

She promised to allocate Sh17 million in the 2023-2024 financial year to boost and enhance the sector, which has a higher capacity of creating faster earning opportunities for the numerous jobless youths in the country.

The County Boss was speaking today morning in her office when she hosted the Nakuru Technical Working Group in the Creative Industry, led by a renowned thespian, Joseph Maina alias Babushe, who is the alternative chairman for UNESCO. She assured them of her commitment to improving the creative industry.

The governor also guaranteed to construct a recording studio in the city, a cinema theatre, and seek ways of revamping the old Nakuru Players’ Theater and making the county be identified as a creative African City.

She was categorical that the county has the capacity of creating an enabling environment for creativity to flourish, attract attention and establish itself as a renowned Creative African City.  

Babushe commended the governor for her support and emphasized the need for the creation of an environment that nurtures creativity by establishing theaters, music venues, and creative spaces where artists can showcase their work and collaborate with each other across other African cities.

Additionally, he said the local artists are ready and willing to promote and preserve the local culture and heritage through crafts, music, and dance by organizing festivals and exhibitions to attract tourists and foster a sense of pride among the local communities.

Apart from that, he said the local artists have embraced digital platforms and technology to expand the reach and impact of their creative endeavors, through the use of social media, and online marketplaces to showcase their work globally.

He said even without much support in the past when artists were not recognized as a cog in the economic development of the country, through his work he attracted the attention of UNESCO, which he applauded for its support in his growth.

He assured the governor that they would continue to endorse Nakuru County as a vibrant hub to attract tourists and investors through marketing campaigns that highlight the unique artistic offerings and experiences available locally.

Courtesy ; K. N. A