Artists urge tax breaks for creative industry equipment to boost growth

Kenya International Theatre Festival Director, Ngobia Benson. [Okumu Modachi, Standard]

Artists have called on the government to provide tax exemptions for critical equipment in the creative sector, including cameras, lighting tools and production gear.

They said this move could help more young people afford the necessary tools to grow their businesses.

 The plea came during the Kenya International Theatre Festival held in Nairobi, which attracted participants from 16 countries.

The two-weeks long event, which ended on Sunday, saw youths asking President William Ruto’s administration for tax rebates for companies and corporates supporting the industry.

Ngobia Benson, the festival's director, said tax breaks for equipment would help more people afford tools, enabling them to work in various roles such as cameramen, photographers and production designers.

 “Issuing tax exemptions on equipment allows more people to be able to handle this equipment, more people to be able to afford them and use them to do whatever it is they are doing in the creative sector,” Benson said.

“The government will also benefit from the tax remitted by musicians, filmmakers, theatre artists if they are supported to make more money.”

Benson also emphasised that a society that values and pays for art creates a positive feedback loop, nurturing talent and benefiting the economy.

Michael Pundo, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Cultural Centre, also called for more government funding, stating that the industry has become a key part of the economy.

“Many young talented people are finding it hard to grow because there is little support. With more government funding, we will be able to lay grounds for good progress,” Pundo said.

He urged the public and stakeholders to collaborate in elevating the sector.

“If you take a picture and pay 1,000 to 1,500 pounds for a family portrait, you’re giving these young photographers a formal means of income, validated by society,” he added.

Pundo noted that supporting local artists not only enriches cultural experiences but also contributes to the livelihoods of those in the creative sector.