In addition to a commitment by Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika to promote creative arts and culture, Tourism and Culture Chief Officer Rosemary Wambui has stated that the creative industry is an enabler in the development agenda of the county.
A working group of creative industries in Nakuru has lauded the county administration for its willingness to embrace the creative industry to add value to Nakuru’s exports, as the Chief Officer underlined the readiness of Gov. Kihika’s administration to provide support including incentives to scale up cultural production and the creative industry.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade Tourism and Cooperatives Stephen Muiruri noted the need for the creative industry to be positioned as a pillar of Nakuru’s tourism sector.
The CECM added, “It is time both levels of government channeled more investments towards research in creative industries in order to quantify their true value.”
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According to the African Digital Media Foundation, challenges facing the Kenyan creative industry include inadequate capital access, lack of infrastructure and institutions, and an insufficient understanding of Intellectual Property Rights.
As a result of Kenya’s newest city being based in the county, rapid urbanization and urban development provide opportunities for all industries to grow, including creative industries which enjoy a steady supply due to the youth of Kenya’s population.
Additionally, with the presence of beautiful scenery in Nakuru including Lake Nakuru and Menengai Crater to name a few, the strategic use of Film and TV production and digital video content could significantly drive film tourism in the county.
In order to exploit this opportunity and turn Nakuru County into a creative hub, in the words of CECM Muiruri, “these creative activities need to be anchored in political and governmental commitment and concrete support.”
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