Naivasha: The Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs, has called for increased investment in the creative economy as a strategic move to create more job opportunities for young people and improve Kenya’s economy. This sector contributes about five per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and should no longer be seen merely as a hobby or source of entertainment.
According to Kenya News Agency, Jacobs made this statement while presiding over the launch of the Uriri Film Hub at the Uriri National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) offices at Rapogi market in Migori County. The Film Hub, established through a partnership between the Kenya Film Commission, NG-CDF, and Uriri Constituency under the patronage of area Member of Parliament Mark Nyamita, aims to provide young people with access to film production equipment, training, and mentorship opportunities.
Jacobs urged Members of Parliament across the country to embrace similar partnerships, emphasizing that such initiatives could significantly complement government efforts in growing the creative economy sector. He noted that historically, academic excellence directed young people toward careers in fields like law, medicine, and engineering, often overshadowing opportunities in arts and sports.
The Competency-Based Education (CBE) system has introduced pathways that recognize talents in arts and sports, enabling learners to pursue careers aligned with their abilities and interests. Jacobs described Kenya’s youthful population as one of the country’s greatest assets, highlighting Africa’s unique position of not facing an ageing population crisis.
Jacobs also underscored ongoing government programmes focused on youth empowerment, including the NYOTA programme, which targets over 820,000 young people with grants, training, Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) support, social enterprises, and other initiatives.
Furthermore, the government is creating opportunities for young people through internships under the Affordable Housing Programme. Approximately 5,550 youths have already been attached to this initiative, with others engaged in infrastructure development projects nationwide.
Jacobs noted the rise in remittances from Kenyans working abroad, which increased by more than one billion shillings in the last financial year, with young people constituting a significant share of this contribution. He emphasized the importance of strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as technical skills are crucial for expanding employment opportunities and addressing unemployment among young people.
Uriri Member of Parliament Mark Nyamita highlighted that the Film Hub would serve as a platform for nurturing talent and showcasing the creativity of young people from the region. He mentioned that the facility’s mobile production equipment would enable filmmakers to undertake productions in various parts of Migori County, including Kuria and Rongo, while reaching wider audiences nationally and internationally.
Nyamita expressed his hope for young people to use the hub to showcase their talents globally, with the mobile equipment allowing productions to take place in different locations while benefiting from the resources available at the facility.
