Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang has disclosed that students across all educational levels are now generating income from their creative works, aligning with President William Ruto’s directive to establish systems for monetizing student content.
Speaking in Embu during the official commencement of the 62nd Kenya National Drama and Film Festival held at Kangaru Secondary School and Embu University, PS Kipsang highlighted the efforts made by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to monetize the content created by students.
“We were directed by the President last year during the State Concert that we need to make this process earn an income both to our children, to their institutions, and to this country.
I am happy I can report today that through the KICD, there has been a lot of development on the same and we can tell you our children have started earning,” PS Kipsang stated.
The festival, themed “Unlocking Opportunities for Social-Economic Transformation through Drama and Film,” resonates with the government’s objective of fostering creative arts encompassing drama, film, music, and visual arts.
PS Kipsang emphasized the government’s acknowledgment of the vast potential within the creative sector, affirming its commitment to creating a conducive environment for artists, creators, and cultural entrepreneurs to flourish.
“We are investing in state-of-the-art cultural infrastructure such as theaters, art galleries, and studios.
These facilities provide spaces for artists to create, collaborate, and showcase their work to local and international audiences,” Kipsang reiterated.
In order to sustainably support the creative industry, the government has established funding mechanisms, grants, and subsidies to bolster artists and cultural organizations, PS Kipsang added.
He specifically mentioned the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund as a pivotal initiative through which the government continuously supports talent programs, not only within the Ministry of Education but also among the youth.
“We are collaborating closely with stakeholders in the creative industries, including music labels, film production companies, publishing houses, and fashion designers, to foster an environment conducive to growth and innovation.
This encompasses regulatory reforms, tax incentives, and market access opportunities to spur investment and job creation within the sector,” he further stated.
Accompanied by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Kipsang led other stakeholders in planting 8,000 trees ahead of the festival’s launch.
