The government is exploring a new policy that could give Kenya’s fast growing gaming industry a bigger role in the country’s creative economy.
Presidential aide Dennis Itumbi has called on Kenyan gamers, esports players, streamers and game developers to help shape the proposed policy.
Itumbi wants the gaming community to tell the government what it needs in terms of funding, infrastructure and policy support.
He also wants to know how Kenya can attract major international gaming tournaments and position itself as Africa’s gaming hub.
But one question he raised could have the biggest impact on thousands of young Kenyans: How can gaming be turned into a genuine career?
“How do we convince a 17-year-old that gaming is a career?” Itumbi asked.
He said the government does not want to dictate how the industry should operate but instead wants players and other stakeholders to help shape the plans.
“I do not want to come and tell you how to run your industry. I actually want to learn how, what do we do for your industry?” he said.
Itumbi said the government is considering a Kenya Gaming and Interactive Entertainment Policy, with a five to six year plan aimed at making the country a major destination for esports, game development and streaming.
The proposal comes as money and opportunities in Africa’s gaming industry continue to grow.
In July, Google Play launched a $1 million Indie Games Fund for African game developers, with selected studios eligible for between $50,000 and $200,000 in equity free funding. Kenyan studios are among those eligible to apply.
This means Kenyan developers are no longer looking only at local opportunities, with international firms increasingly putting money into Africa’s gaming sector.
The proposed government policy could therefore focus on helping local developers build games, supporting professional esports players and creating opportunities for streamers and other gaming professionals.
Itumbi has asked interested gamers and industry players to send their ideas to his office as the consultations begin.
The proposal has, however, attracted mixed reactions online, with some Kenyans questioning whether government interest in gaming could eventually lead to taxation of the sector.
Others welcomed the move, arguing that gaming is already a source of income for many young people and deserves formal recognition.
If implemented, the policy could mark a major shift in how Kenya treats gaming, moving it from a pastime largely associated with young people to a potential career and business opportunity.