Kenya: Ismail Maalim Madey, PS State Department for Youth Affairs & The Arts, has urged youths to pursue their passion in the Creative Economy—the PS, whom Joel Wamalwa, Ag, accompanied.
Chief Executive Officer Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) spoke at the launch of the Annual KCA University Cultural Week, which commenced on 2nd October 2023.
Themed: Exploring the Cultural Diversity and Talent Exposition, the Cultural Week will culminate into the and Miss KCA University Beauty Pageantry at the end of the week-long activity.
PS Maalim lauded the KCA University’s leadership for planning and hosting the Cultural Week celebrations, adding that the choice of the theme was appropriate and reinforced how the Government envisions cultural and creative industries, especially as a major contributor to social and economic development.
The PS urged students and youths in general to pursue their passions and dreams in the Creative Economy and innovation, emphasizing that the industry presents great opportunities that they should leverage on to monetize their talents for job opportunities and wealth creation.
“The Government has readied several initiatives and resources to support the youth in their artistic endeavours through the flagship project TalantaHela,” said PS Maalim, adding that the Ministry of Youth Affairs the Arts and Sports was in the process of scouting, identifying and nurturing talents at the grassroots, countrywide.
He revealed that individuals scouted with unique talents in sports are progressed to the Kenya Academy of Sports, and those in arts are linked to various creative opportunities for nurturing.
In his remarks, Wamalwa commended KCA University for creating a platform for students to showcase their creativity as well as nurturing their talents.
He reiterated the KFCB’s commitment to supporting initiatives geared towards identifying and nurturing talents among the youths in the Creative sector for job opportunities and wealth creation through a facilitative regulatory environment that will spur the growth of the Creative Economy.
“The Board has over the years supported the KCA Cultural Week that culminates into the Mr. and Miss KCA Beauty Pageant, and we remain committed to supporting similar initiatives,” said Wamalwa.
Chief Executive Officer Margaret Kiogora, who affirmed NYC’s commitment to being a voice and bridge for the Youth, was also present at the launch, including the National Youth Council Kenya (NYC) Ag.