Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has praised Kenya’s creative spirit, describing the 98th edition of the Kenya Music and Cultural Festival as a powerful showcase of the country’s cultural pride, imagination, and unity.
Speaking at the gala event held at Moi Girls High School Grounds in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Kindiki said the festival, themed “Threads of Culture, Weaves of Opportunity,” demonstrated the resilience and vibrancy of Kenya’s artistic community. He represented President William Ruto at the ceremony.
The Deputy President noted that the creative industry contributes about 5% to Kenya’s GDP, making it a key source of income and opportunities for young people across the country.
“We celebrate the excellence, imagination, and vibrant cultural spirit that define our nation. The 98th edition of the Kenya Music and Cultural Festival themed ‘Threads of Culture, Weaves of Opportunity ‘ is a powerful testament to the unity, creativity, and resilience of our people. Kenya, our homeland is indeed a heritage of splendour,”he said.
He said the government views culture and the arts as essential tools for strengthening social cohesion, fostering entrepreneurship, and building resilient communities grounded in local knowledge and skills.
Kindiki explained that the government has undertaken several policy, legislative, and institutional reforms aimed at revitalising the creative economy and ensuring that artists benefit from their work.
Among the frameworks he highlighted were the National Policy on Culture and Heritage, the National Music Policy, the Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Expressions Act, and the Kenya Copyright Act.
He said these measures are designed to create a more conducive environment for cultural production and creative enterprise.
The gala brought together performers from 33 counties and was attended by senior government officials, including Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo, Culture Principal Secretary Umi Bashir, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Kericho Governor Dr. Eric Mutai, MPs, MCAs, and hundreds of cultural groups.
Kindiki said the festival reaffirmed Kenya as a “heritage of splendour,” adding that the government remains committed to empowering the creative sector and preserving the nation’s cultural identity.
