Opinion & Commentary

For generations, the Kenyan dream followed a familiar script: excel in school, secure a stable job, and build a life. Creativity was a hobby, not a career. But today, young Kenyans are tearing up that script. Faced with a tough economy and an unemployment crisis, a generation of educated, tech-savvy youth is turning to digital platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify to monetize their passions. From beat-making and podcasting to content creation, they are proving that creativity is not just self-expression—it's a viable livelihood. While the system is still catching up, with policies slowly evolving and parents beginning to see creative work as "real work," the shift is undeniable. In this new narrative, young Kenyans aren't just making art while looking for a job; they are making art as the job.

From colonial-era cultural policies to modern funding structures, external forces have long shaped Kenyan artistic expression. It's time for a critical examination.

The case for establishing a distinctly Kenyan literary tradition — one that centres our languages, our histories, and our ways of seeing the world.

From immersive performances to sold-out runs, Nairobi's theatre scene is thriving. But structural challenges threaten its sustainability.

The government's creative economy framework could transform the arts sector — if implementation matches ambition.