Kenya’s creative economy is stepping into the spotlight — and this time, the world is watching.
On June 5th, Nairobi will host the U.S.–Kenya Creative Economy Forum 2025, a landmark event designed to unlock investment opportunities and build lasting partnerships between Kenyan creatives and American industry leaders. Organized by the U.S. Embassy in Kenya and the American Chamber of Commerce Kenya (AmCham), the forum aims to position the creative sector as a driver of sustainable economic growth and cross-cultural collaboration.
With the theme “Powering the Future of the Creative Economy,” the forum brings together a diverse mix of policymakers, investors, creators, and business leaders from both countries to explore the future of Kenya’s creative industries — particularly in film, music, and sports.
Kenya’s creative sector already contributes significantly to the national GDP, with the latest available data showing a contribution of 5.3%, or over Ksh 85 billion in value added, and direct employment for more than 300,000 individuals. Yet despite its promise, the sector has long faced barriers to scale — including limited market access and investor hesitancy.
This forum is designed to change that.
“My time in Kenya has shown me that this country has an amazing and energetic pool of creative young people,” said Marc Dillard, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Kenya.
“I am so excited to combine this energy with leading creative industries from the United States, where creativity helps propel our economy. From Hollywood movies to professional sports to world-leading music industry innovators, the potential for Kenyan and American creative economy partnership is boundless.”
The forum is not intended to be a one-off event. AmCham Kenya will spearhead a taskforce to ensure that the conversations started during the forum lead to tangible outcomes. This includes regular industry dialogues, trade missions, and long-term collaboration with U.S. companies seeking to invest in Kenya’s creative space.
“Kenya’s creative economy has tremendous untapped potential,” said Maxwell Okello, CEO of AmCham Kenya.
“This forum will provide a platform to showcase that potential while facilitating meaningful connections between U.S. businesses and Kenyan creative entrepreneurs.”
For local creatives, this is more than a moment — it’s a turning point. A chance to share, co-create, and define a new kind of partnership built on shared values, innovation, and economic growth.
And for Kenya, it’s an opportunity to take ownership of a sector that has long driven culture, influenced identity, and inspired change — but is now ready to drive real economic impact too.
The world is paying attention. Kenya is ready.