BY PHILLIP ORWA
President William Ruto has asked the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative and Sports, to speed up the works at Talanta Stadium so that it can be used to host “Grammy Awards.”
The President announced that he will visit the United States next month to meet with organisers of the Grammy Awards, aiming to establish world-class music studios in Kenya.
Speaking during the 97th Kenya Music Festival State Concert in Sagana, the President indicated that he will be travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), whereby he will visit the Grammy Awards Studios to discuss with them the need to establish a studio in Kenya.
“The Grammy team has already expressed interest in anchoring their presence within our new Talanta Hela Stadium in Nairobi.
To this end, I am directing the Ministry of Youth and Creative Economy to expedite all outstanding steps to deliver a truly state-of-the-art creative experience for our artists, producers, and innovators right here at home.” said Ruto.
The President added “Next month in the United States, I will meet with the Recording Academy, organisers of the Grammy Awards, to fast-track plans for establishing world-class studios here in Kenya and to set in motion the journey towards eventually hosting an African edition of the Grammy Awards in Nairobi.”
Ruto equally said that he is set to meet global technology companies to expand collaboration for the benefit of Kenyan creatives.
“During my visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), I will meet leaders of major global technology companies to expand collaboration for the benefit of our creators. This includes integrating M-PESA into Facebook’s payment system to make our payouts faster, easier, and more accessible.” he said.
The Head of State said that before his regime, creatives were not able to earn through Facebook, TikTok and X, but after he met with the platforms’ leaders, Kenyans are now able to earn through the channels.
Ruto said “Creatives are also monetising their content on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, which has now increased payout to Kenyan producers. I have directed all ministries, departments, and agencies to prioritise advertising on digital platforms to grow our digital economy, create jobs, and increase income for our creatives. The more we advertise online, the higher our content is weighted, and the more our creatives will earn.
Before I was elected, Kenyans were not able to gain money from content and through the channels, but now they are able, after I met with the leadership, and discussed with them, the need for Kenya to be selected for monetising.”
