Machakos University Hosts Final Public Forum on Creative Industries Bill

MACHAKOS – The State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy is nearing the completion of its nationwide public consultation process for the draft Creative Economy Policy and the Creative Industries Bill, 2023.

According to Kenya News Agency, a legal officer with the department, the stakeholder engagements aimed at gathering input on the draft policy and bill are set to conclude on Friday. Chege outlined the next steps during a stakeholder forum held at Machakos University, stating, “After the public participation, a team will analyze and incorporate feedback from the public before presenting the draft to the cabinet for approval. Following cabinet endorsement, the document will be forwarded to parliament.”

The proposed bill focuses on establishing creative hubs across the country to foster innovation, research, and development within the creative sector. These hubs, strategically located to maximize accessibility, will provide creatives with essential resources, tools, and equipment to facilitate their work. Chege highlighted the additional benefits of the hubs, including training, mentorship, and capacity-building programs tailored for creative professionals.

Furthermore, Chege discussed the bill’s provisions aimed at improving funding and financial support for creatives through investments, sponsorships, and grants. A significant feature of the bill is the creation of a Creative Industries Development Fund by the national treasury, which may also issue bonds to raise capital for the sector. The legislation also intends to streamline regulatory services for the industry by establishing one-stop creative services centers and creating a registrar for creative organizations.

During the forum, Maskonde Harun, Chairperson of the Investment Committee of the Kenya Cultural Association of Artists, praised the government’s efforts in drafting the bill. Harun emphasized the critical role of the creative industry in the country and the historical neglect it has faced. He expressed optimism that the bill, if enacted, would regulate the industry effectively and create more opportunities for creatives. Harun also called for the government to ensure that accessing the Creative Industries Development Fund is straightforward and free from bureaucratic hurdles, to benefit deserving recipients.