Sony, Universal, and Warner Music groups, three leading global music companies in the United States, will soon establish their presence in Nairobi, President William Ruto has announced.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement on Tuesday, July 21, Ruto said the decision by the three major music companies was a vote of confidence in Kenya's creative talent, policy direction, and ongoing reforms aimed at building a globally competitive music ecosystem.

The announcement came after the Head of State held a high-stakes meeting with Victoria Oakley, Chief Executive Officer of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), where they discussed opportunities to strengthen Kenya's creative economy.

"I'm encouraged by the shared commitment to strengthening Kenya's creative economy and positioning Nairobi as Africa's next major hub for the recorded music industry," Ruto stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

"I am particularly delighted that Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group have all agreed to establish a presence in Nairobi," he added.

According to Ruto, the move would support artists, producers, publishers, and investors within Kenya's growing music sector.

"This is a significant vote of confidence in Kenya's creative talent, our policy direction, and the reforms underway to build a globally competitive music ecosystem," the president said.

The establishment of the companies' presence marks the initial phase of a broader effort to position Kenya as a hub for the global recorded music industry.

According to Ruto, the next phase would focus on implementation by creating an environment where players across the music value chain can thrive, generating jobs, exports, and new opportunities for Kenyan creatives.

The announcement comes as Kenya seeks to expand the economic role of the creative sector, with music, film, fashion, and digital content identified as areas with potential to create employment and attract investment.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke