The Kenyan government is set to invest Sh15.1 billion in the development of a digital superhighway, in a bold move aimed at positioning the country as a unique creative economy hub destination.
Edward Kisiang’ani, the Principal Secretary of Broadcasting and Telecommunications, announced the initiative during the inaugural Konza Technopolis Creative Economy Conference held in Nairobi.
Kisiang’ani expressed the ministry's intention to seek financial support from the private sector to further develop the creative industry.
He emphasized the importance of leveraging government facilities such as the digital superhighway and the Konza Technopolis Data Centre.
The Principal Secretary also highlighted the need to optimize and streamline tax regimes to promote the creative sector instead of burdening it.
Read More
"We are also looking at the legal issues to ensure checks and balances in the sector to avoid infringement on privacy while advancing the creative economy," Kisiang’ani stated.
The conference aimed to identify strategic interventions enabling the monetization of the creative economy through the digital superhighway.
One of the focal points was the role of Konza Technopolis and its partners in supporting a vibrant creative industry in Kenya.
Speaking at the conference, Kisiang’ani urged stakeholders in the creative economy to harness technology and innovation as catalysts for job creation and economic growth.
The Principal Secretary also emphasized the government's commitment to streamlining the creative sector, ensuring favorable tax regimes, and implementing financing policies that will further support its growth.
"The government is ready to support the creative economy so that it can create more jobs at the individual and institutional level," Kisiang’ani affirmed.
He recognized the limitations of the government in providing jobs for all citizens and viewed the creative sector as a positive opportunity to generate employment opportunities for Kenyans.
The government's allocation of Sh15.1 billion to the development of the digital superhighway underscores its commitment to unlocking the potential of the creative economy.
By fostering an environment that promotes technology-driven creativity and innovation, Kenya aims to become a leading hub for the creative industry.
As Kenya takes this significant stride towards the advancement of its creative economy, stakeholders eagerly anticipate the positive impact on job creation, economic growth, and the country's prominence within the global creative landscape.
