Government and industry leaders push for stronger investment in the creative economy at Nairobi film festival…reports Africa Newsdesk
Kenya has intensified efforts to position itself as a major global destination for film production, with government officials and industry leaders highlighting the growing importance of the country’s creative economy during the Kalasha International Film and TV Market Festival and Awards 2026 in Nairobi.
Speaking at the opening of the festival, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya said the Kalasha Festival has evolved into a key platform for promoting African storytelling, encouraging industry collaboration and linking Kenyan filmmakers with international markets.
Mvurya said this year’s edition attracted participants from across Africa and other parts of the world, reflecting growing global interest in Kenya’s expanding creative sector.
He noted that the festival would continue playing a crucial role in strengthening the country’s film industry by supporting emerging talent, encouraging inclusivity and improving access to financing and distribution opportunities.
According to Mvurya, increased collaboration and sustained investment could unlock the full potential of Kenya’s film industry and strengthen its standing in the global entertainment market.
Kenya Film Commission Chief Executive Officer Timothy Owase said the country remained committed to developing its creative economy through policy support, partnerships and investment in local talent.
“Kenya is not just a destination, it is a story worth telling,” Owase said, urging local and international stakeholders to explore the country’s cultural diversity and storytelling potential.
He said the commission continues to promote local content while creating more opportunities for Kenyan creatives through funding programmes, skills development initiatives and international collaborations.
Owase added that these efforts had already helped hundreds of creatives gain access to regional and international platforms.
Describing film as more than entertainment, he said the industry also serves as a powerful economic driver capable of boosting tourism, generating employment and contributing significantly to national growth.
“Film is influence, film is identity, and film is economy,” he said while calling on investors and development partners to support the industry’s long term growth.
He stressed that sustainable expansion of the sector would require stronger cooperation between institutions, investors and government agencies.
Owase also highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at making Kenya a more competitive filming destination, including efforts to improve institutional efficiency and create a more supportive environment for productions.
He encouraged Kenyan filmmakers to invest confidence in local stories and narratives, arguing that global recognition begins with supporting domestic creative voices.
The festival, he said, provides a platform for creatives, investors, distributors and international studios to build partnerships and explore new business opportunities within the industry.
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Fikirini Jacobs said the creative sector had emerged as a major pillar of economic development in Kenya.
He noted that the industry is increasingly being recognised as a serious economic sector attracting global investment and attention rather than simply a form of entertainment or hobby.
Jacobs said the growing significance of events such as the Kalasha Festival reflected changing attitudes towards creative careers, particularly among young people who now view the industry as a viable professional path.
He credited continued government support under the administration of William Ruto for helping expand opportunities and nurture talent within Kenya’s creative economy.Kenya ramps up bid to become film production hub
