The Kenyan government is moving towards establishing a mandatory accreditation system for creatives to enhance professionalism, safeguard intellectual property rights, and improve access to business opportunities.
Kenya Film Commission (KFC) Chief Executive Officer Timothy Owase revealed that the Commission is developing an accreditation platform that will enable easy identification of verified professionals such as film directors and musicians, including details like their credits, rate cards, and availability.
"This accreditation program is about recognising all creators in the industry and creating a platform where, from wherever you are, you can identify and engage with them," Owase explained during the launch of the online certification program, Creative Economy 101. This initiative was developed by Burns Brothers in partnership with Strathmore University Business School and supported by NCBA.
Creative Sector as an Economic Driver
Owase emphasized the significance of the creative economy, describing it as "the new oil" with vast potential to transform Kenya’s economic landscape through job creation and innovation.
He encouraged creatives to view their work as a business, acquiring skills beyond artistic expression to thrive within a competitive ecosystem.
Benefits of the Accreditation Platform
- Acts as a marketplace for businesses, investors, and content producers to identify verified creative professionals.
- Strengthens transparency and professionalism within the creative sector.
- Provides a foundation for better negotiations, collaborations, and intellectual property management.
Owase urged artists to protect their intellectual property and position themselves to leverage opportunities beyond Kenya’s borders, underlining the sector’s role as a key pillar in the country’s economic development.
