Govt to support entertainment industry, Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta has assured of government’s support to develop Kenya’s entertainment industry and turn it into a strong economic sector.

The President said the government will support the sector so that it can compete with its peers in countries like Nigeria where entertainment creates huge employment.

The President, who spoke after hosting the Kenya Music Festival Winners’ State Concert at the Kisumu State Lodge, said more resources will be dedicated in the coming years to boost the industry.

“I want to see our entertainment industry become a sector that creates employment and the government will play its part,” the President said.

He added that the government will ensure talent centres are established in all the 47 counties to support youth with exceptional skills in entertainment.

The Head of State said the national music festival, which this year brought together 115,000 participants, is an important event that he will continue supporting.

“It reminds us of what it means to be a Kenyan and it also reminds us of the issues that are of concern to us as a nation,” he said.

“It is a critical performance and I will always be a participant in this cultural festival.”

President Kenyatta also launched a book, The Talanta Year Book of the Kenya Music Festival 2015, which will be published annually to document the key events of the music festival.

This year’s publication is under the theme is Consolidating our National Values and Ideals.

Other leaders who spoke at the event included Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma, Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga, Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura, Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir and the chairman of the Kenya National Music Festivals Peter Wanjohi.

The two MPs thanked the President for his frequent working visits to Kisumu and also requested him to expand the work the National Youth Service (NYS) is doing in Kisumu.