President William Ruto has announced plans to integrate artists and content creators into public service roles under the State Department of Creative Economy. The announcement came at the National Drama Festival State Concert at State House, Nairobi, on April 17, 2026. He also ordered full funding for drama festivals and the release of Ksh 23 billion school capitation.
President William Ruto spoke at the National Drama Festival State Concert at State House, Nairobi, on April 17, 2026. He stated that the Public Service Commission has approved a new staff structure for the State Department of Creative Economy, with names of recruits to be announced soon.
"I am pleased that the Public Service Commission has approved the staff structure for the State Department of Creative Economy. Soon, we will be bringing your service and talent into government to drive this vision forward," Ruto said.
He directed the Ministry of Education to fully fund National Drama Festivals as a co-curricular platform. He also instructed the Kenya Film Commission to create dedicated categories for student films and plays at awards like the Kalasha Awards.
Additionally, he ordered the Ministry of ICT to allocate at least 30 percent of government advertising to local artists, tracked via performance contracts. The president launched the Soma Play platform on eCitizen for monetizing children's drama content, with revenues returning to schools.
On education, he directed Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to remit Ksh 23 billion in school capitation by next week ahead of the April 27 reopening.
