Kenya’s creative economy is poised for significant growth with the introduction of a new Senate Bill. The “Creative Economy Support Bill, 2024,” sponsored by Senator Eddy Oketch, aims to establish a comprehensive support mechanism for individuals and organizations within the creative industry.
The bill is designed to provide the necessary infrastructure, funding, and policy framework to foster the development and sustainability of the creative sector, ensuring that creatives have the resources and support needed to thrive.
“Establish mechanisms for the support of the persons in the creative industry; to enhance the contribution of the creative industry to the economy; to establish the Creatives fund; and for connected purposes,” read part of the Bill.
The Bill also seeks to create a Creatives Fund appropriated by Parliament to provide financial assistance to individuals in the creative industry under criteria set by the Cabinet Secretary.
“The Board shall issue out of the Fund monies in the form of grants to persons in the creative industry in accordance with a criteria determined by the Cabinet Secretary by Regulations,” the Bill states.
The Creative Economy Support Bill, 2024, further proposes the creation of a Creative Industry Guild. This guild will play a crucial role in promoting and safeguarding the interests of creative artists. Its responsibilities will include conducting labor market surveys, protecting intellectual property rights, and facilitating the distribution of royalties.
This initiative aims to ensure that creative professionals receive fair compensation and support, fostering a thriving and sustainable creative industry in Kenya.
“The Guild shall, in collaboration with the respective county executive committee members responsible for matters relating to trade, put in place measures to support the establishment and subsidise the formalisation of creatives,” the Bill reads in part.
The Creative Economy Support Bill, 2024, also mandates both county and national governments to create an enabling environment for creatives. This includes formulating supportive policies, investing in necessary infrastructure, and promoting entrepreneurial skills through programs offered in higher learning institutions.
Additionally, the Bill proposes that the Cabinet Secretary for Education ensures that the curriculum developed by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development includes subjects related to the creative industry.
Senator Eddy Oketch emphasized the transformative potential of the Bill, stating that it recognizes the significant role of creativity in economic development at both the national and county levels.
He highlighted that the Bill aims to foster a supportive ecosystem for the creative sector, thereby contributing to broader economic growth and development.
“Citizens working in the creative industry contribute to the gross domestic product by creating employment opportunities, paying taxes as a result of the activities they are involved in,” he noted
“This Bill proposes to make systemic interventions to ensure adequate support to persons in the creative industry including proposing the formation of a Guild to champion the rights and welfare of creatives,” he added.
