President William Ruto announced on Monday that Kenya has officially submitted a bid to host the Grammy Awards, with Ksh. 500 million already paid towards the effort.
Speaking during a town hall meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) to mark the second anniversary of the Hustler administration, President Ruto reiterated his government’s commitment to enhancing Kenya’s creative sector and establishing the nation as a global entertainment hub.
Back in April, President Ruto revealed that Kenya had been selected as one of four countries to participate in the Grammys through a collaboration with Grammy Global Ventures. The partnership aims to elevate Kenya’s presence in the international creative industry.
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During Monday's event, the President highlighted the significance of integrating performing arts into Kenya’s education system. He proposed specialised training programs for arts educators and emphasised initiatives such as the Department of Creative Economy and Talanta Hela, which are designed to nurture and monetise local talent.
He also revealed plans for collaborations with Hollywood to bolster Kenya’s film industry, providing local creatives with access to international markets.
Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, also spoke during the event. He disclosed that his office had instructed the State Department to facilitate payment for Kenya's bid to host the African Grammy Awards headquarters.
"The President’s visit to the USA included engagements with key players in the creative economy, such as Hollywood stars at Tyler Perry Studios," Itumbi said. "These engagements have inspired targeted efforts to grow Kenya’s creative economy and position the country as a hub for global entertainment events."
Itumbi further mentioned that a representative from the Grammy Awards attended the town hall meeting and would meet with President Ruto later in the week to discuss Kenya’s bid.
"There is a gentleman here from the Grammys, and the State Department has already been instructed to make the necessary payments for Kenya to host the African Grammys headquarters," Itumbi stated.
President Ruto confirmed the payment, assuring attendees of his administration’s commitment to the initiative.
"We have already paid the Ksh. 500 million. This is not just a plan; it’s a reality," he affirmed. "The gentleman from the Grammys can confirm we’re on the right track in securing this exciting opportunity for Kenya."
Additionally, Itumbi revealed that Kenya is also bidding to host the World Creative Economy Conference in 2027. If successful, Kenya would become the first African nation to host the prestigious event.
"I have officially proposed to the President that Kenya begins the bid to host the World Creative Economy Conference in 2027," Itumbi said. "This move would unlock immense opportunities for our creative economy and position Kenya as a leader in this space."
