Kenya is set to accelerate its focus on the creative sector this year, with government officials signaling a transition from planning to active implementation. Denis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, described 2026 as a year for decisive action, emphasizing the need to strengthen systems and elevate the country’s creative industries.
In a post on X, Itumbi highlighted the importance of building robust frameworks rather than relying solely on ambitious goals. Quoting author James Clear, he said: “You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems."
He added that the government is not starting from scratch but aims to refine skills, improve institutional support, and take Kenya’s creative economy to the next level.
The creative sector has historically contributed significantly to Kenya’s economy, generating employment and export revenue, particularly in music, film, fashion, and digital content.
Despite its growth, challenges such as limited funding, weak regulatory frameworks, and fragmented support structures have constrained its full potential.
Itumbi’s statement signals that the government intends to tackle these issues by enhancing existing systems and introducing more structured approaches to sector development.
Itumbi described the upcoming initiatives as “intense, transformative and unsettling,” suggesting ambitious reforms that may challenge established norms within the industry.
The government’s approach reflects a broader national strategy to diversify economic growth, particularly by empowering youth and promoting innovation-driven industries.
Stakeholders in Kenya’s creative economy, including artists, producers, and tech entrepreneurs, are expected to play a central role as these reforms unfold.
“It shall be intense, transformative and unsettling too. Happy New Year,” Itumbi concluded, framing 2026 as a pivotal year for creativity in Kenya.
With a renewed focus on systems and execution, the administration is positioning the creative economy as a strategic engine for growth and innovation.