In the creative world, the tiniest of ideas can spark a masterpiece. However, to turn these ideas into reality, both the concepts and the people behind them need nurturing. The Creative Economy Support Bill of 2024 seeks to do this as policymakers take steps to turn Kenya’s creative industry into an engine of economic growth. This Bill proposes systemic interventions to ensure adequate support to persons in the creative industry.

One of its core proposals is the creation of the Creative Industry Guild. This Guild is intended to serve as a comprehensive advocate and regulator for the creative industry, fostering growth, protecting intellectual property, and representing the interests of its members. It will also drive industry standards and facilitate conflict resolution. The Guild will be governed by an unincorporated advisory board, which will include representatives from different industry sectors, a thoughtful approach given that each sector has unique needs.

Beyond the Guild, the Bill mandates both the national and county governments to create a supportive environment for the creative industry through policy development, infrastructure investment, market access facilitation, and collaboration with the private sector to empower creatives. Moreover, the Bill proposes an online platform for publishing industry events and news. Recognising the importance of early exposure to the creative arts, the Bill also calls for the integration of creative subjects into the school curriculum. This initiative has the potential to nurture young talent, diversify career paths, and alleviate pressures on the traditional job market.

The creative economy offers a viable development option and Governments and policymakers worldwide are alive to this fact. The creative industry can be leveraged to drive economic growth, innovation, and cultural development. By drawing inspiration from successful models across the globe, the Kenyan government can significantly bolster its creative industry, a key priority for the Kenya Kwanza administration under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda. This could include offering tax incentives, grants, subsidies, and investing in infrastructure. For example, the UK offers various Corporation Tax reliefs for companies in the creative industries, and Canada’s Income Tax Act provides incentives for film and television production, attracting international projects. South Korea’s massive investments in K-pop and entertainment infrastructure, such as the $200 million Gocheok Sky Dome, have turned its entertainment industry into a globally recognisable cultural phenomenon.

Policymakers could additionally enhance the regulatory frameworks related to intellectual property and copyright, both of which are crucial to the creative industry. Simplifying bureaucratic processes and reducing red tape will also encourage entrepreneurship and innovation within the sector.

However, while the Bill presents a promising framework, the success of such initiatives hinges on effective implementation. The Bill is still in its early days but if passed, transparency, accountability, and integrity must underpin the implementation process to prevent potential from being undermined by malpractice. Advancing policies and turning them into systemic changes is not solely based on proclamations. For the creative economy to thrive, it must be supported by respected and followed policies, practices, legal processes, and administrative procedures.