Why Kenya may soon 'host' the Grammys

President William Ruto (right) and DP Kithure Kindiki at the 97th Kenya National Music Festival State Concert at Sagana State Lodge, Neri on August 16, 2025. [PCS]

Kenya could soon host an African edition of the Grammy Awards if upcoming talks between President William Ruto and the Recording Academy in the United States bear fruit.

Ruto, speaking on Saturday, August 16, said he will meet the Grammy organisers next month in the US, alongside global tech firms, to discuss setting up a state-of-the-art studio and plans to host the Grammys in Nairobi.

“As usual, there are those who doubt; the cynics who question everything we do. But, as we have always done, we will answer them with tangible outcomes that benefit the people,” said Ruto while presiding over the 97th Kenya National Music Festival State concert at Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri.

“The Grammy team has already expressed interest in anchoring their presence within our new Talanta Stadium.”

He directed the Ministry of Youth and Creative Economy to expedite steps toward building a world-class creative hub for Kenyan artists and innovators.

Boosting artists’ earnings

To increase artists' incomes, Ruto also ordered all ministries, state departments, and agencies to prioritise advertising on digital platforms as part of efforts to create jobs and grow the digital economy.

“The more we advertise online, the higher our content is weighted, and the more our creatives will earn. We have no excuse not to advertise online,” he said.

The president also instructed the Kenya Copyright Board to roll out a digital royalties system on the e-Citizen platform, ensuring that 70 percent of royalties are paid directly to artists. He warned that failure to comply would result in the revocation of licenses.

“We must eliminate middlemen and brokers who out-earn the artists themselves. This matter must be concluded this year,” Ruto said.

Ruto further acknowledged the importance of a balanced education system. “We now have a clear pathway that points to the future of our education in a meaningful and comprehensive way. STEM subjects, arts, and creatives are all important.”

His sentiments were echoed by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, who both called for the creation of a premier academy for creative arts and music.

“This transition is a powerful pathway that will take our country to the next level,” Kindiki said. “Social sciences, the arts, sports, and creatives are important because they speak to our minds. We must protect and defend all of them if Kenya is to move forward.”

Ogamba added: “We can start looking at the mechanics of how to establish that institution (a creative academy) so that we can get our students the total benefits of the arts.”