Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has finally bowed to the pressure mounted on him by Kenyan legendary singer-cum-actress Sanaipei Tande over Kalasha cash prize awards.
The Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports CS on 13th December 2023, finally acknowledge the outcry by the musician and hosted the 2022 Kalasha Winners for a Breakfast meeting in Nairobi.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, CS Ababu led the award ceremony where Ksh 7.8 million was distributed to winners.
Notably, each actress and actor took home Ksh 200,000.
“This morning, CS Ababu Namwamba led the Awards ceremony of the 2022 Kalasha Awards winners, where over Ksh 7.8 million was distributed to the winners, with each taking home Ksh 200,000,” read the statement in part.
Ababu Remarks During Cash Prize Awards
In addition, the CS while reviewing the state of the awards, encouraged the organizers of Kalasha Awards to keep hitting higher as far as the stature of the Kalasha Awards was concerned.
Also Read: Sanaipei Tande Leaves Kina Program for Rest
While reiterating government’s support to creatives, CS Ababu Namwamba challenged the team to run film as a business that commits to creating jobs and building sustainable livelihoods.
Further Ababu highlighted that the ministry was keen on investing in film hubs by transforming the existing social halls into avenues where creativity can thrive.
“We have over 189 under-utilized centers across the country, and we would like to broaden them to not only be places for the youth to watch, but also to be innovative spaces that inspire creators,” said Ababu.
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Sanaipei Tande Rants Over Delayed Funds
Nonetheless, the CS was on 6th December 2023 called out by Sanaipei Tande for failing to clear an alleged 200,000 Kenyan Shillings he owed Kenyan actors and Actresses who had won the 2022 Kalasha Awards.
Taking to her X account, Tande publicly expressed her worries seeking answers on what happened to the monies she and her fellow Kalasha 2022 winners were promised by the CS right after winning in various categories.
In addition, the ‘Chaguo la Moyo’ hit maker in her tweet also roped in the Kenya Film Commision wondering what was being done to appreciate ‘existing’ talent, yet the Kenya National Theatre had been closed for multi-million shillings renovations meant to appreciate ‘new’ talent.
“1 year later no prize money and no communication on the same from Kenya Film Commission, Kalasha Kenya or Ababu Namwamba but 167M set aside for #KNT renovations in bids to develop and nurture new talent! What of the existing talent?” tweeted Sanaipei.
CS Ababu and KFC Response
In a rejoinder that came on December 8, CS Ababu distanced himself from the funds delay saying that the money was with KFC.
“The prize money is safely with the Kenya Film Commission, and they have assured me that they are already releasing that money. So absolutely no need for concern,” he said.
In response to the allegations the Kenya Film Commissioner Naomi Gichemba announced that the winners of last year’s Kalasha Awards will receive their cash prizes on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.
