Govt pledges Sh400m to set up film academy

The government has pledged Sh400 million to establish Kenya’s first public filmmaking academy.

Speaking during the closing ceremony for the National Drama Festival at the Melvin Jones Hall in Nakuru, Deputy President William Ruto also thanked the participants, organisers and sponsors for ensuring the festival brought together Kenyans, clear proof that unity is possible with share ideals.

Mr Ruto announced that he would sponsor Nakuru Lions Primary School's best actor Caleb Mwangi for life, following his splendid performance in their winning play 'Chasing the Wind' about the struggles of the boychild in a society that puts greater emphasis on girls.

The Deputy President also encouraged composers of dances, poems and plays to highlight positive aspects of society while offering solutions to challenges the country faces.

“You should not focus so much on the problems bedevilling the country but provide solutions that come from us (Kenyans) working together for peace and development.

“It is important that Kenyans embrace patriotism in their day to day lives as lack of it is adversely affecting our lives as a nation,” he said.

“We have a great and unique opportunity to make our arts thrive and generate the wealth and jobs needed to drive the country forward. Our artistic product is truly unique.

“At the basic level, art is a representation of a society's essential characteristics: its struggles, contradictions, texture, aspirations as well as ideals,” said Mr Ruto.

The closing ceremony performances featured 16 items presented by featured winners in various categories such as plays, standup comedy, modern dance, cultural dance and poetry.