William Ruto Says Kenyan Talent Can Outshine Afrocinema with Proper Support

President William Ruto has said Kenya’s creative talent can achieve global recognition with proper support, describing performances at the Kenya National Drama Festival State Concert as world-class.

Speaking at State House, the president compared the country’s strength in the arts to its established success in athletics. He said the quality of productions at the festival met international standards and, in some cases, surpassed those seen in Afrocinema. He added that the creative sector is no longer a leisure activity but a growing contributor to the economy.

Ruto outlined plans to formalise government support through predictable funding within the Ministry of Education. He called for a review of resource allocation, proposing that part of advertising budgets be redirected to drama and music festivals. He said funding would be tied to performance contracts and reporting systems to ensure accountability.

The president also emphasised the role of storytelling in shaping national identity. He noted that young people are combining traditional forms with digital tools to keep creative expression relevant. This focus on innovation was reflected in the launch of Soma Play, a new platform designed to capture, distribute and monetise student-generated content.

The platform, integrated into the eCitizen portal, was demonstrated during the event. It is intended to provide a national system for showcasing performances while ensuring financial returns for learners and schools. Revenues will be managed through the Ministry of Education and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development before being distributed to participating institutions. 

Faith Onyango, who presented the initiative, said Soma Play would help formalise student creativity, preserve content and deliver direct benefits to schools.

These measures come as school drama and music festivals continue to serve as key platforms for developing talent, despite limited formal structures. 

The president also confirmed he will attend the upcoming Kalasha International Film and TV Awards, signalling continued state engagement with the creative industry.