Thabanja noted that by putting robust policies in place, Governor Susan Kihika’s administration was helping launch enormous economic benefits in the Creatives Cultural Industry that go beyond financial gains, driving industry growth that would reach Kenyan artists, entrepreneurs, and young people throughout the country.
He observed that as a UNESCO Creative City of Folk Arts, it is important for Nakuru to adopt evidence-based culture policymaking and a multi-stakeholder approach in designing programmes that foster creativity for sustainable development.
The proposed policy provides for building partnerships among stakeholders, developing infrastructure for the creative and cultural sector. The policy also aims to promote technology use and document Nakuru’s cultural heritage.
If approved, the City Board will oversee implementation of the policy and establish a Council for Arts, Culture and Creative Industries and an annual review would be conducted to track progress and maintain relevance.
Thabanja indicated that the policy was expected to provide a strong framework to support the growth, protection and promotion of Nakuru’s creative sector while preserving the city’s unique cultural identity and driving socio-economic development.
Port Louis in Mauritius and Nairobi in East Africa are among 15 cities in the continent recognized by UNESCO for their commitment to place culture and creativity at the heart of their development and for sharing knowledge and good practices.
Last year, Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) selected Nakuru as a pilot city to map out existing cultural heritage and creative industries to determine the contribution of the industry to the local economy to leverage on the UNESCO 2030 Culture Indicators Framework.
According to Thabanja, the selection of Nakuru as a pilot City to spearhead the mapping initiative is an affirmation of the influence of culture in the multi-cultural city.
“The selection of Nakuru to pilot the project is an extra cap for the city, which takes pride in its cultural diversity, which earned it the recognition of UNESCO as a UNESCO Creative City under the folk and craft category,” he added.
The streets of Nakuru are a constant reminder of the vibrancy of culture, as seen on its streets and estates, which are adorned with vibrant murals, graffiti, and street art, adding a creative and visually appealing touch to the city.
The city occasionally showcases the cultural heritage and traditions of the region through exhibitions, performances, and interactive experiences.
The Nakuru Players Theatre is another contributor to the bustling cultural growth with a vibrant performing arts centre that hosts various plays, musicals, and cultural performances throughout the year, thereby promoting artistic expression in the city.
Another hallmark of the city is the popular Nakuru’s street food festival, which is a delight for food lovers. From mouthwatering samosas to delicious grilled meats, the city offers a wide range of delightful street food options from different communities at affordable rates.
Kenya’s creative sector is growing rapidly, contributing approximately five per cent to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
From fashion, film, music, and design to digital art and photography, the industry provides jobs and serves as an important cultural and economic driver.
But despite its potential, structural challenges persist, including limited access to funding, fragmented support systems, and inadequate infrastructure.
The creative and cultural industries are recognized as significant contributors to Kenya’s GDP, offering substantial potential for job creation, innovation, and revenue generation.

By Jane Ngugi 

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The High-Level Week of UNGA brings together world leaders at a critical moment for multilateralism.

Leaders at the Opening Session of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) General Debate at the UN headquarters in New York

The President has been in New York holding sideline meetings with Global and African leaders.Ruto is leading Africa’s push for reforms in global finance, climate action, and peace.He seeks to reaffirm Kenya’s commitment to global cooperation, call for reforms of the financial system and demand fair access to development finance for developing nations.

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US Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns made the assurance during a courtesy call on the Speaker of Kenya’s National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, on Monday.

Burns praised Kenya for its leadership role in promoting global peace, highlighting its intervention in Haiti as a notable example of international responsibility.

“Kenya deserves immense credit for what it has done,” Burns said. “The Haiti matter will be top of the agenda this week during the UN General Assembly. We understand the concern over financial questions; it has been a struggle but Kenya’s commitment has not gone unnoticed.”

The Speaker raised concerns over the recent US decision to withdraw funding for the Kenya-led mission in Haiti, which is slated to transition into a UN operation.

“There was anticipated financial support, there was a commitment, what happened? Kenya has done more than it needed to do,” Wetang’ula said.

Burns revealed that President William Ruto is expected to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, where discussions on the Haiti mission and broader US-Kenya relations will take center stage.

Wetang’ula also voiced worries about the impact of the suspension of USAID operations in Kenya, especially its effects on the health sector.

In response, Burns disclosed she had already engaged with Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to explore solutions to cushion the affected sectors.

Even before USAID’s withdrawal, Kenya had achieved epidemic control in HIV, which is an incredible milestone worth celebrating,” Burns said.

“The US still remains the largest donor in health and humanitarian assistance.”

The talks further covered trade and economic cooperation. The Speaker expressed concerns about the 10 percent tariff on Kenyan exports to the US, warning of its negative consequences on trade and growth.

Burns explained that both countries are preparing to negotiate a broad, comprehensive trade agreement.

“We are waiting for our US trade representative to give us a green light, but negotiations will start very soon,” she said.

On investment, Burns pledged to encourage US technology companies to invest in Kenya’s creative industry, describing it as a “sleeping giant” full of untapped opportunities for the youth.

he Speaker urged the US to take a more proactive role in promoting peace and stability in East Africa and beyond.“The US, Kenya, and the UN are guarantors of South Sudan’s independence, but we have allowed it to degenerate into a failed state. We need serious international intervention,” Wetang’ula said.

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He warned that unless the organisation undergoes fundamental restructuring, it will remain undemocratic, unrepresentative and unfit for purpose.

Ruto called for urgent reform of the UN Security Council to give Africa, with its population of 1.4 billion people, a permanent voice in global decision-making.

He added that it was equally necessary to overhaul the international financial system so that it becomes more inclusive and reflective of the needs of all nations.

“We must reform the international financial architecture so that it becomes more representative so that we have greater say (and) better representation so that we can be able to deal with challenges in a manner that represents the views of everyone.”

Ruto was speaking Tuesday after attending the opening of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

His remarks come amid growing momentum for change at the UN. Secretary general António Guterres has repeatedly warned that the Security Council must adapt to the realities of “the world of 2025, not 1945,” stressing that the institution risks irrelevance if it continues to mirror a post-Second World War order.

His call reflects widespread frustration that the council is too often paralysed by the veto powers of its permanent members, preventing decisive action on conflicts in places such as Gaza and Ukraine.

This year’s General Assembly, convened under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” has seen reform dominate the agenda alongside urgent discussions on climate change, humanitarian crises and geopolitical tensions.

Leaders including Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the US President Joe Biden have addressed the gathering, underscoring the Assembly’s role as the most inclusive forum for international debate.

Beyond security concerns, the push for change extends to the international financial architecture.

Developing nations, particularly in Africa, have long argued that the current system favours wealthier economies and leaves poorer countries struggling to access fair financing.

Calls for reform have therefore intensified, with advocates insisting that a more representative system is vital to ensure equity and resilience in the face of global challenges.

President Ruto is scheduled to deliver Kenya’s national statement to the General Assembly on Wednesday, where he is expected to further press the case for reforms that would allow institutions born in the mid-twentieth century to remain relevant in the twenty-first.

His entourage include Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Health CS Aden Duale among other dignitaries.

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The President said the recent withdrawal of some external funds exposed national vulnerabilities and offered an important lesson for strengthening local health systems.

He said Kenya is steadily cutting dependence on external donors by anchoring its health system on local resources and community-led solutions.

“In Kenya, we are deliberately building a system that is less dependent on external aid and more firmly grounded in domestic solutions and community leadership,” he said.

President Ruto spoke during a side event on social participation in health equity and resilient societies co-hosted by Slovenia and the World Health Organisation at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Monday.

To take control of Kenya’s health systems, the President explained that the country is advancing universal health coverage through reforms anchored in law.

He said four new laws on social health insurance have been enacted to guarantee every Kenyan access to essential medical care.

“We recently enacted four transformative laws to drive universal health coverage reforms, including the rollout of social health insurance that guarantees every Kenyan, regardless of background or status, access to essential medical services,” he said.

Ruto pointed out that Kenya has deployed more than 100,000 community health promoters equipped with medicines, smart devices, and stipends co-financed by National and County governments to deliver services at the last mile.

He said this move has ensured that even the most remote households access basic healthcare.

“We have empowered community health promoters with medicines, smart devices, and stipends to ensure last-mile delivery of essential services,” he said.

The President added that participatory budgeting has been strengthened at both national and county levels through digital platforms. This, he said, has enabled communities to track health resources transparently.

On Primary HealthCare, he noted that it is government policy to reinforce and strengthen community networks so that residents can actively shape planning, implementation, and oversight.

Ruto said health literacy programmes are being expanded to equip citizens with the knowledge to make informed decisions and engage meaningfully in governance.

He added that the government is promoting collaboration across sectors by linking health with education, agriculture, and social protection.

“Together, these strategies are strengthening trust, deepening accountability, and building a health system that truly serves the people,” he said.

The President said health reforms are already making an impact.

He said pregnant mothers now have better access to ante-natal care while children are receiving life-saving vaccines, and families are being supported in addressing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.

President Ruto explained that these reforms demonstrate that health equity is inseparable from social justice and sustainable development.

He called on the global community to embed social participation indicators in health frameworks and share innovations that empower citizens to shape their destinies.The President said investment must go beyond medicines and infrastructure to include the democratic right of people to participate in decisions about their health.

“The health of nations depends not only on the strength of their hospitals, but also on the strength of citizen voices. Kenya aspires to a future where no child is left behind, no community is unheard, and no citizen is denied their right to health,” he said.

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