President William Ruto has announced that Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group have agreed to establish a presence in Nairobi.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 21, Ruto said his meeting with International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) Chief Executive Officer Victoria Oakley underscored growing confidence in Kenya’s creative sector and the reforms aimed at making it globally competitive
“I am particularly delighted that Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group have all agreed to establish a presence in Nairobi,” Ruto said.
Ruto Unveils Plan to Make Nairobi Africa’s Music Hub
He described the move as a significant vote of confidence in Kenya’s creative talent, government policy and efforts to build a globally competitive music ecosystem.
According to the President, the next phase will focus on implementing reforms that create an enabling environment for artistes, producers, publishers and investors to grow the sector.
Ruto said the expansion is expected to generate jobs, increase exports and create new opportunities for Kenyan creatives as the country seeks to position Nairobi as Africa’s next major hub for the recorded music industry.
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Big Three Music Companies
Sony Music Group is one of the world’s “Big Three” music companies. Headquartered in New York City and wholly owned by Japan’s Sony Group Corporation, it operates through its recorded music business, Sony Music Entertainment, and a global music publishing division.
Meanwhile, Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world’s largest music company.
The multinational firm is a global leader in recorded music, music publishing, artist management, merchandising, and other music-based entertainment businesses.
Warner Music Group (WMG), one of the world’s “Big Three” music companies, is also set to establish a presence.
Headquartered in New York City, the multinational entertainment company operates in more than 70 countries through its recorded music and music publishing businesses.
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Kenya Selected for Second Year of U.S.–Recording Academy Music Mentorship Program
The development followed Kenya’s selection in April for a second consecutive year to participate in the American Music Mentorship Program.
The U.S. Recording Academy initiative connects music professionals from participating countries with experienced mentors in the United States.
Launched in 2024, the program focused on developing behind-the-scenes talent in the music industry, including producers, managers, songwriters, publishers and other music professionals.
A new cohort of Kenyan participants was expected to join the program in the fall of 2026, further strengthening ties between Kenya’s creative sector and the global music industry.
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