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President William Ruto has announced plans to visit the United States next month to meet with organizers of the Grammy Awards, aiming to establish world-class music studios in Kenya.
Speaking at the 97th Kenya Music Festival State Concert in Sagana, Nyeri, on August 16, 2025, Ruto revealed details of his upcoming visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
He added that during the trip, he will meet with leaders of major global technology companies to expand collaboration for the benefit of Kenyan creators.
“Next month in the United States, I will meet with the Recording Academy, organizers of the Grammy Awards, to fast-track plans for establishing world-class studios here in Kenya and to set in motion the journey towards eventually hosting an African edition of the Grammy Awards in Nairobi.”
Ruto to Meet Grammy Organizers
The President added that Kenya is steadily positioning itself as a premier hub for the creative and entertainment industries in Africa, noting that the Grammy organizers have already expressed interest in the Talanta Hela Stadium
“The Grammy team has already expressed interest in anchoring their presence within our new Talanta Hela Stadium in Nairobi. To this end, I am directing the Ministry of Youth and Creative Economy to expedite all outstanding steps to deliver a truly State-of-the-art creative experience for our artists, producers and innovators right here at home.”
Additionally, Ruto is set to meet leaders of global technology companies to expand collaboration for the benefit Kenyan creatives.
“During my visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), I will meet leaders of major global technology companies to expand collaboration for the benefit of our creators. This includes integrating M-PESA into Facebook’s payment system to make out payouts faster, easier and more accessible.”
He warned that those who criticize or express doubts will be met with tangible results.
Also Read: President Ruto Leaves the Country
Kenyan Content Creators
In his speech, Ruto highlighted the growing opportunities for Kenyan content creators in the digital space and the government’s commitment to supporting and expanding their earnings.
“Our creatives are also monetizing their content on X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, which has now increased payout to Kenyan producers. I have directed all ministries, departments and agencies to prioritise advertising on the digital platforms to grow our digital economy, create jobs and increase income for our creatives. The more we advertise online, the higher our content is weighted and the more our creatives will earn,” he said.
Moreover, he stated that the government has created the state department for Creative Economy under the Department of Youth Affairs to focus on the development of creatives that includes Music, film, fashion and performing arts.
He stated that he has met with several musicians across the country and stressed the need to address royalty payments and affirmed that the issue must come to an end.
“I have met musicians from various regions and genres, and their complaint is always the same. The issue of royalties has been stuck in an endless cycle of debates for far too long. That we must bring to an end,” he added.
Also Read: How Govt Plans to Monetize Drama Festival Performances
He directed the Kenya Copyright Board to take decisive action and resolve the collective management organization standoff once and for all.
President Ruto reported that the Board is now enforcing a requirement for 70% of royalties to go directly to artists, warning that non-compliance will result in the loss of licenses for those involved.
Furthermore, he instructed the Board to implement a digital royalty’s system on the e-Citizen platform without delay, even if legislative changes are necessary, urging that there is the need to eliminate middlemen and brokers who earn more than the artists themselves.
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