It was at Mlango Farm that eKitabu and the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Foundation hosted the inaugural Sanaa with KPC event — a rare gathering uniting generations of artists to tackle the creative sector's pressing challenges. “If we understand these challenges deeply, we can develop strategies that open opportunities for both artistic and cultural growth in Kenya,” Will Clurman, CEO of eKitabu, emphasized the power of listening.
The authors who gathered named a number of obstacles standing in their way. They cited limited government support, marketing and distribution barriers, and the high cost of publishing and editorial work. They raised quality concerns within the publishing value chain, a declining reading culture — especially among children — and limited opportunities for collaboration and professional development.
Visual artists, in turn, highlighted challenges of their own. They pointed to the high cost of materials, inadequate market access, and poor financial returns for their work. They described limited engagement opportunities within the arts community, and insufficient support for the preservation and promotion of culture and identity.
The discussions spotlighted a highly fragmented industry. Artists often operate in isolation, competing heavily with international content and digital AI alternatives. KPC Foundation Manager Rachel Gathoni underscored the importance of investing in local talent: “We need to encourage Kenyans to consume local content. Supporting our artists is essential for sustaining livelihoods and growing the sector,” she noted.
The conversation seamlessly transitioned to the Africa Forward Fest at Alliance Française de Nairobi, where authors, artists, and technology experts explored the future of storytelling in a digital world. Supported by the KPC Foundation, a festival highlight was an impressive stage performance of David Maillu's classic book, After 4.30. This production showcased the seamless integration of music, theatre, and literature.
More than just an artistic success, the performance underscored the creative sector's economic potential, illustrating how cross-disciplinary partnerships can generate significant income and offer sustainable careers for artists in Kenya.