President William Ruto has announced that school drama performances will soon be monetised through the government’s eCitizen platform to help generate revenue and support creative talent.
Speaking during the National Drama and Film Festival State Concert held in Nakuru on Wednesday, President Ruto praised the impressive talents displayed at the event.
He stated that it was time to expand the reach of these performances and create a system that allows them to earn income.
“I believe it’s time we widen access and also make it possible to earn money from the amazing talent we are seeing in these performances. These shows should be available on eCitizen, allowing more Kenyans to watch and pay for them,” Ruto said.
He supported the remarks earlier made by Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, who had emphasized that Kenyan schools are full of untapped talent that could be developed into films and uploaded to eCitizen for monetisation.
“We are working hand-in-hand with the creative director in your office to make sure that we capture and monetise all these brilliant talents. Our goal is to build a structured program that links school plays, dramas, and films to the eCitizen platform so they can bring in income,” said PS Bitok.
President Ruto and PS Bitok explained that the initiative aims to uplift everyone involved in school drama productions—from students to teachers and producers—by giving them a chance to benefit financially from their talent and hard work.
“Through this move, more funds can be generated and shared with the creatives, the schools involved, and everyone who plays a role in putting these productions together,” the President added.
The announcement was made during a colorful event where top performers from the recent Kenya National Drama and Film Festival 2025 showcased their award-winning pieces in front of the President and other leaders.
The state concert featured powerful performances by various schools that stood out in the festival, including Moi High School Mbiruri, Kanyuambora High School, and Kangaru High School.
The festival celebrated a variety of artistic expressions, including stage plays, cultural dances, films, and digital storytelling, all highlighting the depth and richness of Kenya’s creative talent among the youth.
However, one notable absence from the event was Butere Girls High School. Their widely talked-about play, Echoes of War, which explored a sensitive national theme, was previously barred by the police, and they were not allowed to perform at the state concert.
The call by President Ruto and PS Bitok to monetise creative works comes even as the eCitizen platform itself is under public scrutiny.
Recent reports have revealed that the platform is partially controlled by private developers, who could shut it down if their contract is revoked—raising concerns about ownership and control.
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