President Wiliam Ruto has announced a partnership with Hollywood in a move aimed at building and investing in the creative economy.
Speaking during the Jamhuri Day celebrations, the head of state said that creatives will as from January 2024 benefit from the collaboration where Hollywood agreed to shoot multiple movies in Kenya.
“First, the famous Grammy Awards have a partnership with us and starting January, the innovation studios of Hollywood have agreed to begin shooting multiple movies right here in Kenya,” said Ruto.
Ruto Announces Hollywood Arrival in Kenya
Worth noting, Hollywood is widely known as the center of the American entertainment industry, particularly for the film and television industries.
Also Read: Lupita Nyong’o: A Trailblazer in Hollywood and Beyond
In addition, it is home to many historic studios, theaters, and landmarks, including the Hollywood Sign.
Meanwhile, among the notable Kenyan actress featured by Hollywood has been Kisumu Governor’s daughter Lupita Nyongo who joined the Hollywood film industry with her breakout role in “12 Years a Slave” which was released in 2013.
Creatives Win with Meta
In adition, the Head of State announced yet another win for Kenyan creatives in a collaboration with Meta- the parent company of social media site Facebook.
Ruto in his speech revealed Meta’s commitment to paying creatives producing original content shared across Instagram and Facebook.
“I have good news for our creatives and those who imagine and produce content through Facebook and Instagram. Just yesterday, Meta committed to helping creators in Kenya earn money from crafting original content,” said Ruto.
According to Ruto, Meta will expand monetization opportunities on the two platforms and thereby allowing more creators to earn a living doing what they love most.
Ruto Announces Partnership with Google
On the other hand, Ruto announced a collaboration between Google and the Ministries of ICT and Education in a move to introduce coding programmes at lower level of schools in Kenya.
“Google, in collaboration with the ministries of Education and ICT and Digital Economy, has begun implementing a Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development- approved coding programme in primary and secondary schools,” said Ruto.
According to Ruto the plan is set to reach 4 million learners, and that the partnership will train 42,000 teachers.
Hollywood Actors Visit Kenya
The actors are part of a global campaign dubbed #KenyaHomeofHumankind spearheaded by Magical Kenya and Swahili Village which aims to showcase Kenya’s unique beauty, diversity and welcoming spirit.
Gbenga and Anika, who have starred in some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters over the years, visited the wildlife sanctuaries and community-led conservation projects witnessing firsthand the impact of these initiatives on the preservation of Kenya’s natural heritage.
