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The third ResiliArt|Kenya debate was held on 30 July 2020, with the theme “Bridging the Gap between Policy and Practice,” with a view to shaping a resilient creative economy for a sustainable recovery in Kenya. The final ResiliArt discussion aimed at applying solution-oriented approaches focused on policies for the creative sector and the extent to which they support its sustainable growth. The online forum also sought to ensure recommendations gleaned from this, and two previous ResiliArt|Kenya debates, would be drawn and shared with the sector’s parent ministry and key stakeholders, in order to promote the development of the creative economy.

The conference brought together key figures from the Kenyan cultural, legal, and private sectors to discuss opportunities for inter-institutional connectivity and reforms for implementation, for a more cohesive and resilient cultural sector. This debate’s panelists included: Mr. Edward Sigei, Executive Director, Kenya Copyrights Board (KECOBO); Ms. Mshai Mwangola Oraturist/Performance Scholar, Research and Adjunct Faculty of the African Leadership Centre; Mr. Benjamin Muchiri, Manager, National Accounts, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics; Mr. Simon Mwaura, Chief Operating Officer- Riverwood Ensemble; Ms. Liz Lenjo, Entertainment and IP lawyer, Founder and Managing, Consultant of MYIP Legal Studio; Mr. Nyongesa Wafula, Deputy Director, Enterprise Development, State Department of Industrialization. The discussion, which was eloquently moderated by Ms. Joy Mboya, Executive Director of the GoDown Arts Centre, was transmitted simultaneously on YouTube.

The discussants recognized the central role digital platforms play in creating and connecting with audiences in the creative economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. As such intellectual property, copyright laws and related legislation require reform to ensure they are robust and effective enough to serve the sector adequately.

In a show of confidence in the resilience of the sector, Mr. Muchiri noted that, from statistics collected during the pandemic, the Creative Economy had performed better than most others and the overall economy. Ms. Mshai Mwangola observed that in Kenya, more people, especially the youth, entered the policy advocacy space, and are working together from different fields to promote the creative industries. Accordingly, artists from across the country are leading conversations and taking a more entrepreneurial approach to revitalizing the sector in the context of COVID-19.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Kimani Njogu, Chairperson of the Creative Economy Working Group, emphasized the need for the Internet to be more accessible as a public good. He also underscored the need for strong partnerships between government, civil society and the private sector to achieve this and other ambitious recommendations made throughout the debates. He encouraged the public and the government authorities to participate in raising awareness and capacity building in order to engage meaningfully with the creative sector.

The UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage, the Creative Economy Working Group, Twaweza Communications, The GoDown Arts Centre and Alliance Française de Nairobi have partnered in organizing the three ResiliArt|Kenya debates, which have been valuable platforms for reflection and realignment, and for recommending pragmatic solutions for the resilience of the culture and creative sector in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.