Sometimes, I look at the creative industry with very reflective eyes. Having been in it for many years. More than 15 years in showbizness, you see it for what it is.I can attest to have seen it grow, expand andright now, even about to overflow.

Watching actors, directors, producers, technical crew and writers receiving recognition at the Kalasha awards this year, many of them in their colorful gowns and great attires, with such passion for the
industry, gave the film commission a sense of pride.

That the artists who put in much labor to their craftcan finally have a taste of reward for the work they have put over the years. Without a doubt, their
commitment as performers and creatives, has moved the industry forward.

From a time, where the country could barely list 10 films, to a time more and more films can be attributed to the land.

This is not without the effort of the many artists who have devoted their service to the film industry in Kenya,without fail, in-spite the challenges that they have faced over years.

The team at the Kenya film commission are committed to have more and more films through workingtogether with more and more creatives and performers, not only to tell the Kenyan story, here in theregion, but even more to the world at large.

As Artists, we are the custodians of culture, thus we believe that art should not only be supported, but especially respected.

Through our art, the world will know
more about our world. Generations will rely on our trade, to tell their stories and even preserve history.
For which, we will be committed to ensure, we will not let you down, as a support for the film industry inKenya. My team spends sleepless night to ensure that.

Our greatest fulfilment has been to go to the Communities in the rural parts of Kenya, to the people in the communities, even the youth.

Going in to every County, has been the most exciting. Encouraging film
from the roots, where stories live, will ensure, every county has a chance to tell their stories and take pride in that art of telling stories through film.

The hope for the future is seemingly brighter, without a doubt, seeing from the many entries of films that come in every year. They get better and better each
year.

We already have been to 15 Counties and hope to reach all the other Counties as programmed in building capacity. We want to be taken as seriously, as we take ourselves. I personally, have spent good amount of time, knocking doors, to welcome as many players as possible.

I believe that this is an industry worth investing in. A lot more support from; corporates and the public service in to the film industry, will see the Kenya film industry with as much potential have the most returns. But above all, the greater responsibility as a Nation, to support and encourage our home grown talent and effort.
My quest, to the corporates, as well as the government, is to continue, even in a smaller scale, as well as large, to support this industry in as many ways as possible. For the Kenyan film industry is now on the
race as a world player, from walking and even crawling a few years back.

My team and I, are working to create that understanding, that what we have is a massive giant, massive talents as we have seen, overflowing with massive opportunities.
Happy to have such great interest from the ICT Cabinet Secretary, Joe Mucheru, who even graced our recent Kalasha awards as the guest speaker.

Friends, this goes to show, that in-spite of the fact that we are not there yet, we have made progress as the Kenyan film industry.

The Cabinet secretary has shown massive
interest in supporting the industry, as well as many players in Kenya. Being part of the ministry of ICT, is a blessing in more ways than one, for now we are no longer competing with sports, we have our own
space.And to the artists, we should always remember.

In Kenya, “we are long distance runners,” our race is long, but certainly we will get there. What we have for the future is even greater, that what we could
ever possibly imagine for this industry, but this great future can only be forged together.

The writer is a Chartered Marketer and a Communication Professional who serves in the creative industries.

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