This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's Sh100 million promise to Kenyan musicians and actors has been clarified by the government, with the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Heritage and Culture, Ambassador Amina Mohamed, stating that the funds are not a free handout.
Speaking at the launch of the Artist and Musician Stimulus Program at the Kenya National Theater on Monday, Ambassador Mohamed explained that the money is intended to educate, innovate, sustain, and improve the output of the creative sector.
The program aims to continue developing and nurturing talent to ensure that the sector remains a significant contributor to the economy post-Covid-19.
According to Ambassador Mohamed, artistes from different creative sectors will be required to produce works that entertain and educate Kenyans and the world on the safety and health precautions to stop the spread of Covid-19.
The project will be carried out through various assets set up by the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage, including 'KULTURE TV' and other collaborative media outlets.
It is estimated that the program will directly benefit over 20,000 musicians, actors, and artistes from all 47 Counties and over 80,000 additional persons from the beneficiaries' households, 30 percent of whom are vulnerable groups and persons living with disabilities.
The program will run for three months, starting from May to July 2020, with various government agencies tasked to roll out and supervise the implementation of the Programme.
