Kenyans in the creative industry and sports are set to benefit from American sector leaders following a partnership between Kenya and the United States.
The collaboration will offer the Kenyans, including those talented in music, film, and sports, an opportunity to rub shoulders with industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and creative innovators from the US during a forum to be held in Nairobi on June 5.
In a joint statement on May 22, the US Embassy in Kenya and the American Chamber of Commerce in Kenya (AmCham) announced that the event, US-Kenya Creative Economy Forum 2025, will provide an opportunity for exchange of ideas between Kenyans and Americans.
Marc Dillard, the Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Kenya, stated that the event would provide the perfect opportunity to unlock positive expansion across the country’s creative sector.
During his time in the country, Dillard noted that he had experienced the talent of the young Kenyans, and it was time for Kenya’s creative content, talent, and brands to attract global attention.
“My time in Kenya has shown me that this country has an amazing and energetic pool of creative young people. I am so excited to combine this energy with leading creative industries from the United States, where creativity helps propel our economy," Dillard stated
"From Hollywood movies to professional sports to world-leading music industry innovators, the potential for Kenyan and American creative economy partnership is boundless.”
The forum will last only one day, but is expected to act as a catalyst for continued relations between the two nations' creative industries through continued engagements, collaborations, and growth.
Following the forum, AmCham will continue working with U.S. companies interested in Kenya’s creative economy and strengthening ties that benefit both countries.
AmCham's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Maxwell Okello, reiterated Dillard's views, stating, "Kenya's creative economy has tremendous untapped potential."
"This forum will provide a platform to showcase that potential while facilitating meaningful connections between U.S. businesses and Kenyan creative entrepreneurs," he continued.
This opportunity comes at a time when the Kenyan government is seeking ways to bolster the fast-growing creative industry by launching initiatives like the Konza Technopolis and Digital Media City, as well as the Kenya Film School and Creative Fund.
In the United States, the creative economy surpasses $1 trillion annually, presenting a perfect opportunity for the Kenyan creative economy to blossom.
