Kenya has paid Ksh.500M to host Grammy Awards: President Ruto
Kenya has officially submitted a bid to host the Grammy Awards, with President William Ruto announcing on Monday that the government has already allocated Ksh. 500 million for this initiative.
Speaking at a town hall event at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) during celebrations marking the Hustler government’s second anniversary, President Ruto underscored his administration’s dedication to enhancing Kenya’s creative sector and transforming the nation into a global entertainment hub.
Earlier in April, President Ruto shared that Kenya had been selected as one of four countries to collaborate with Grammy Global Ventures, an initiative designed to deepen Kenya’s integration into the global creative industry.
This partnership seeks to elevate Kenya’s standing in the international arts scene and foster growth in the local creative economy.
The President also highlighted the need to integrate performing arts into the national education system. He proposed developing tailored curricula for arts instructors while reaffirming the significance of programs like the Department of Creative Economy and Talanta Hela, both aimed at nurturing and monetizing local talent.
Additionally, Ruto announced plans for collaborations with Hollywood to boost Kenya’s film industry and expand global market access for local creatives.
On the same day, Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, disclosed that the State Department has been instructed to process payments for Kenya’s bid to host the African Grammy Awards.
During his remarks, Itumbi mentioned President Ruto’s recent visit to the United States, where he engaged with prominent figures in the creative industry, including a session with Hollywood stars at Tyler Perry Studios.
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“One of the outcomes of these discussions is a strategic push to develop Kenya’s creative economy and position the country as a hub for hosting major international entertainment events,” Itumbi said.
Itumbi added that a representative from the Grammys who attended the town hall event will meet with President Ruto later this week to further discuss Kenya’s bid.
“There’s a Grammys official here, and we’ve already directed the State Department to process payments for establishing the African Grammys headquarters in Kenya,” he stated.
President Ruto confirmed that the Ksh. 500 million payment has already been made, affirming his government’s commitment to this initiative.
“This isn’t a plan in motion—it’s already executed,” said Ruto. “I’m confident the Grammys representative here will validate that Kenya is progressing well in securing its place in this groundbreaking project.”
Itumbi also revealed Kenya’s ambition to host the World Creative Economy Conference in 2027, an event that would mark a historic first for Africa.
“I’ve formally written to the President on behalf of the Creative Economy Coordination Office, recommending that Kenya initiates its bid to host the World Creative Economy Conference in 2027,” said Itumbi. “This opportunity would unlock immense potential for Kenya’s creative economy and solidify the nation’s leadership in this space.”
Kenya has paid Ksh.500M to host Grammy Awards: President Ruto
