Safaricom has stepped up support for Kenya’s creative economy by giving young creatives in Kisumu access to business skills, civic education and platforms to showcase their talent.
The three-day Fishermen Experience brought together artists, industry practitioners and young people for a series of engagements culminating in a concert at Mamboleo Stadium on Saturday.
On Wednesday, creatives participated in masterclasses centred on the business side of the creative industry. The sessions covered financial literacy, managing irregular income, taxation, investment, brand building, digital music and ways of monetising creative work.
Participants also received guidance on accessing credit and funding to support their creative businesses and projects.
The programme shifted to civic engagement and rights advocacy on Thursday, with discussions focusing on constitutional rights, freedom of expression, copyright, fair contracts and youth participation in governance. Voter education was also included to encourage young people to connect their creative influence with civic participation.
Safaricom Director of Brand, Marketing and Insights Zizwe Awuor said the company believes young people and the creative industry can help bring Kenyans together.
The engagements highlighted the entrepreneurial potential of Kenya’s creative sector while equipping participants with practical knowledge to build sustainable careers.
The activities culminated in Saturday’s concert, which brought together artists, fans and the wider Kisumu community for an evening celebrating Kenyan music and youth culture.
The event also demonstrated the role of M-PESA in supporting businesses within the entertainment industry. Traders at the venue used Pochi la Biashara and M-PESA tills to receive payments from fans purchasing goods and services.
The Fishermen Experience is part of Safaricom’s wider investment in the creative economy, alongside the Safaricom Hook Music Hip Hop regional auditions held in Kakamega, Embu and Kisumu.
The auditions have provided emerging rappers, singers, dancers, actors, MCs and songwriters with opportunities to sharpen their skills and gain exposure.