Kenya’s young creatives have heard promises of support for years, but will a partnership with Hollywood star Idris Elba finally turn talent into money? The government has signed a new agreement aimed at opening doors to international financing, artificial intelligence, skills development and global markets, raising expectations across the country’s creative industry.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei signed a Statement of Intent with British actor and filmmaker Sir Idris Elba , on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda.
Elba, who serves as chairman of the Akuna Group, a global creative, entertainment and media enterprise, signed the agreement alongside Sing’Oei, representing the Kenyan government.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the partnership will establish cooperation in four key areas: creator financing, youth skills development, responsible artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation and access to international markets.
The initiative seeks to connect Kenyan filmmakers, musicians, content creators and other creative professionals with investors, technology and international distribution platforms, enabling them to commercialise their work and build sustainable businesses.
The partnership falls under the Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership, bringing together Kenya, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Barbados to promote investment and collaboration in the creative sector.
It is also expected to complement the government’s Talanta Hela programme, which focuses on identifying, nurturing and developing talent while creating opportunities for young people to earn from their abilities.
Sing’Oei described the partnership as an opportunity to transform Kenya’s creative potential into sustainable employment and commercially viable enterprises.
President William Ruto has also extended an invitation to Elba to visit Kenya during the forthcoming Internet Governance Forum (IGF), where the programme is expected to be unveiled. The forum is scheduled to take place in Nairobi from December 14 to 18, 2026.
The partnership comes as Elba’s Akuna Group expands its efforts to support African filmmakers through technology and financing.
On October 28, Google announced a separate $1 million (approximately KSh129 million) initiative with Akuna Group and Curious Refuge dubbed From Script to Screen with AI. The programme will train, mentor and provide production funding to selected African filmmakers in five countries, including Kenya.
Participants will receive training in screenwriting, animation, documentaries and AI-assisted filmmaking, with selected projects receiving funding to bring their productions to life.
Kenya’s creative economy contributes more than five per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to Invest Kenya, highlighting the economic potential of the sector.
However, while the new partnership promises opportunities for thousands of young creatives, the government has not yet disclosed a specific financial commitment, funding allocation or detailed implementation framework under the newly signed Statement of Intent.
The real test will therefore be whether the agreement translates into accessible funding, paid opportunities and international exposure for Kenyan talent rather than remaining another government promise.
