President William Ruto on Wednesday, September 9, defended Kenya’s dream to host the Grammy Awards.
Speaking during the American Chamber of Commerce business Summit, Ruto stated that the plan was to make Kenya a permanent centre for African creative production.
He stated that beyond being a one-time ceremony, the event will also attract investors who will promote the country’s creative industry.
“Our ambition to host the Grammy Awards is not about one ceremony or one moment of fanfare. It’s about attracting studios, labels, platforms and investors and making Kenya a permanent centre of African creative production,” Ruto stated.
The President said that Kenya’s creative economy presented an opportunity for exportation and employment. However, he reiterated that the opportunity needed investment.
“Talent needs infrastructure, finance, distribution, strong intellectual property protection,” the Head of State reiterated
Ruto stated that the 50,000-seater Zaria Arena being constructed at the new Nairobi Railway City, estimated at Ksh120 million, was among the infrastructure set up to promote talent and creativity.
The President also met Google’s Managing Director for Africa, Alex Okosi, with whom he held discussions on accelerating the expansion of Kenya’s digital infrastructure and strengthening the digital ecosystem.
He explained that this would not only scale up digital trade and innovation, but also build opportunities for young Kenyans.
Meanwhile, the President told investors attending the summit that Kenya is open and ready for business. However, he reiterated that any investment should be people-centred.
“Our proposition is clear: Produce here, innovate here and serve Africa and the world from Kenya. In the past three years, we have implemented more than 50 business-enabling reforms in finance, taxation, regulation, licensing, and special economic zones,” he stated.
In 2024, Ruto has disclosed that the government has paid Ksh500 million to host the Grammy Awards in Kenya. He confirmed that the move was in line with securing Kenya’s position in this exciting initiative,” he said.