Ruto Announces Major Changes in Civil Servants Hiring to Include Creatives
President William Ruto has introduced a wide range of new reforms aimed at transforming Kenya’s creative industry and education sector.
In a major policy shift, the President revealed plans to allow artists, performers, and content creators to be absorbed into public service jobs, giving them a more formal role in national development.
The announcement was made at State House in Nairobi during the National Drama Festival State Concert held on Friday, April 17.
Speaking at the event, President Ruto emphasized that the government is now ready to recognize creative talent as a valuable national resource.
He explained that creatives will no longer be seen only as entertainers but also as professionals who can contribute directly to government programmes and the country’s economic growth.
According to the President, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has already approved a new staffing structure under the State Department of Creative Economy.
This move clears the way for the recruitment of artists, actors, scriptwriters, and other industry professionals into government roles.
Ruto noted that this step is part of a broader vision to strengthen the creative economy and provide sustainable employment opportunities for young people.
“I am pleased that the Public Service Commission has approved the staff structure for the State Department of Creative Economy.
Soon, we will be bringing your service and talent into government to drive this vision forward,” the President said, signaling that implementation will begin soon.
In addition to job opportunities, President Ruto also announced plans to elevate the importance of the National Drama Festivals.
He directed that the programme should now receive full funding under the Ministry of Education, recognizing it as a key co-curricular activity that nurtures talent, builds confidence, and enhances learning among students across the country.
To further support young creatives, the President instructed the Kenya Film Commission (KFC) to increase inclusivity in national competitions. He called for the introduction of special categories for student films and plays, especially those developed during school festivals.
These categories will be included in major national award platforms such as the Kalasha Awards, giving young storytellers a chance to showcase their work on bigger stages.
“I have directed the Kenya Film Commission to introduce a category for student films, particularly those emerging from festivals such as this, so that our young storytellers can be seen, celebrated, and inspired to aim higher,” Ruto explained.
In a move aimed at improving earnings within the creative sector, the President also directed the Ministry of ICT to allocate at least 30 percent of all government advertising to local artists and content creators.
This directive is expected to significantly increase income opportunities for creatives, while also promoting local content.
To ensure accountability, compliance with this rule will be monitored through performance contracts within government institutions.
President Ruto also addressed concerns about the exclusion of some creative professionals from school drama activities.
He urged authorities to formally recognize trainers and experts who support students during drama festivals, even if they are not registered under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). According to him, talent development should not be limited by formal registration status.
This issue gained attention last year when DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala faced challenges accessing the National Drama Festivals in Nakuru.
His play, Echoes of War, was questioned partly because he was not a registered teacher, sparking debate about inclusivity in the sector.
“I want to ask that these creatives and trainers working with our children should not be excluded. They must be mainstreamed within festival cycles despite not being TSC-registered teachers,” the President added.
To bring more structure and transparency to the process, Ruto called on key institutions such as the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), the Kenya Cultural Centre, and festival committees to develop clear guidelines for vetting and engaging creatives.
These guidelines are expected to ensure credibility while also maintaining high standards in school competitions.
At the same time, the government launched a new digital platform known as Soma Play. This platform, which will be hosted on the eCitizen system, is designed to help distribute and monetize children’s plays and drama content.
Through Soma Play, schools and students will be able to earn revenue from their creative work, opening up new financial opportunities within the education system.
The government confirmed that any income generated from the platform will be directed back to schools through KICD and the Ministry of Education.
These funds will be used to support talent development programmes and improve learning infrastructure, ensuring that the benefits of creativity are felt across the education sector.
Overall, these reforms signal a significant shift in how the Kenyan government views the creative industry.
By integrating creatives into public service, increasing funding, and creating new income streams, the administration aims to unlock the full potential of the sector while empowering young people and strengthening the country’s cultural identity.
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