The Creatives Baraza Fireside Chat series ; a dynamic mentorship and engagement platform designed to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of Kenyan creatives. Launched in May 2025, the Fireside Chat series has quickly evolved into a cornerstone initiative for Kenya’s creative economy, with monthly sessions hosted at Genesis Design Factory. These intimate, TED-X style conversations bring together emerging and mid-level creatives with seasoned professionals, government leaders, and international voices to explore critical themes shaping the creative industry.
First Edition: Tech Meets Creativity
The inaugural session held on 22nd May 2025 set a compelling tone with keynote addresses from Eng. John Tanui, PS for ICT and the Digital Economy, and Mr. John Paul Okwiri, CEO of Konza Technopolis. Under the theme “Unlocking Tomorrow,” this conversation explored how technology can amplify storytelling, highlighting the intersection between digital innovation and creative expression. Attendees, including filmmakers and students, gained valuable insights into navigating a tech-driven future while remaining rooted in artistic authenticity.
Second Edition: Strategic Positioning and Global Insight
On 6th June 2025, the second Fireside Chat took a more personal and strategic turn. Renowned Hollywood actor and writer Gbenga Akinnagbe (The Wire, The Deuce) led an inspiring discussion on “Finding Your Niche.” Gbenga shared his journey navigating the global entertainment industry, emphasizing authenticity, resilience, and brand-building. The session also included powerful moments of connection between the guest speaker and local creatives, as well as interactions with trainees from the Virtual Production Bootcamp. These dialogues deepened the commitment to aligning Kenya’s creative talent with global standards in storytelling and innovation.
Third Edition: Scaling Sustainably and Staying Authentic
The most recent Fireside Chat, held on 12th June 2025, centered on innovation, policy, and the urgent need for structural support in the creative sector. The panel featured key stakeholders: Mr. Fikirini Jacobs (Principal Secretary – State Department for Youth Affairs & Creative Economy), Mr. Timothy Owase (CEO – Kenya Film Commission), Ms. Victoria Goro, OGW (Academy Director – Multichoice Talent Factory EA), and Ms. Ruth Muriithi (Manager – Knowledge Economy & Innovation, Konza Technopolis).
Discussions revolved around challenges such as the lack of formal structures in the industry. Mr. Fikirini noted that the government is actively addressing this through frameworks like the Creative Economy Bill, which aims to establish proper systems for growth, regulation, and incentivization. Panelists also spoke on scaling without losing one’s creative soul, market relevance, and embracing technologies like AI to boost productivity and global competitiveness. The session was brought to life with robust audience engagement, Q&A exchanges, and one-on-one conversations between creatives and panelists. The energy in the room reflected a united vision for a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive creative industry.
As we look ahead, the Kenya Film Commission commends the Creatives Baraza Fireside Chat series, as we continue to build a collaborative space where ideas are shared, futures are shaped, and Kenya’s creative potential is boldly unlocked.
