President William Ruto has directed the government to establish the Kenya National Talent Search, a nationwide programme aimed at identifying and developing talent and innovation in music, comedy, acting, poetry, film, dance, sport and other creative fields.
Ruto said the initiative would provide a structured platform for discovering talented Kenyans throughout the year and across all parts of the country, arguing that Kenya’s challenge is not a lack of talent but inadequate systems to identify and develop it.
“Our challenge is to discover and develop it,” Ruto said during the State Concert of the 98th Kenya Music Festival at Bungoma State Lodge on Friday.
The President directed the State Department for Youth, working with his Creative Economy Office and with support from the Sports Fund, to roll out the programme without further delay.
He also tasked Deputy President Kithure Kindiki with ensuring that the initiative receives full government support and coordination.
Ruto proposed that the inaugural theme of the National Talent Search should be “Kenya Beyond 2030”, linking the programme to the ongoing national conversation on the country's long-term future.
He said school creative events should also adopt the theme from next year, allowing young people to use their artistic abilities to imagine and express ideas about Kenya’s future development.
“Let our young people use their creativity to imagine Kenya’s future development,” Ruto said.
The President said he looked forward to personally recognising winners of the National Talent Search at the next Kalasha International Film and TV Awards.
He also announced measures to give greater recognition to young scientists and innovators, saying winners of the annual Kenya Science and Engineering Fair would, from next year, be invited to State House.
Ruto said the science and engineering competition has been held annually since 1962,0 but its winners had never been presented at State House.
“Effective next year, the Ministry of Education must bring the winners of the annual Kenya Science and Engineering Fair to State House,” he said. “I want to meet them, see what they have built and hear their ideas.”
The President said the move was intended to demonstrate that the country values the creativity, innovation and abilities of young Kenyans.
His announcement came as thousands of learners from across Kenya gathered in Bungoma for the Kenya Music Festival, showcasing different languages, cultures, traditions and artistic abilities.
Ruto said the festival demonstrated the potential of music and culture to unite Kenyans despite their diverse backgrounds.
“Kenya does not lack talent,” he said, adding that the country needed to create systems capable of identifying and developing that talent.
He further linked the development of talent to Kenya’s broader economic ambitions, saying the creative economy should be central to plans for the country beyond Vision 2030.
Ruto said music and other creative fields are not merely sources of entertainment but also contribute to commerce, intellectual property, employment and export earnings.
The President said the government’s efforts would focus on creating sustainable opportunities for creatives and ensuring that talent can translate into livelihoods.