Kenya’s creative economy faces a digital crossroads as women push for space in tech-driven arts
By Lavender Kusimba, May 11, 2026As artificial intelligence reshapes industries across the world, Kenya’s creative sector is increasingly finding itself at a crossroads: adapt to digital innovation or risk being left behind. But beyond the excitement around technology lies a more urgent question: who gets to benefit from the transformation of Africa’s creative economy?
That question is now driving conversations among policymakers, artists and technology advocates, particularly women leaders seeking to redefine the future of Kenya’s arts and innovation landscape.
The upcoming WITIA Creative Show 2026 may appear on the surface to be another gathering of creatives and innovators. Yet beneath the performances, exhibitions and networking sessions lies a deeper debate about how technology is disrupting culture, employment and storytelling in Kenya.
For years, Kenya’s creative industry has struggled with underfunding, weak intellectual property protections and limited institutional support. Yet at the same time, the country’s digital economy has expanded rapidly, creating new spaces for content creators, filmmakers, designers, animators and digital storytellers.
Now, technology is beginning to blur the line between artist and entrepreneur.
According to Eunice Pohlmann, the founder of Women in Technology and Innovation Africa, the digital revolution presents an opportunity for African creatives to redefine how culture and innovation intersect.
“The WITIA Creative Show is more than an event; it is a movement that seeks to bridge art, technology and innovation,” says Pohlmann.
“We believe the future belongs to creators who are able to combine culture, storytelling and digital tools to shape new possibilities for Africa,” she adds.
Her remarks reflect a growing shift within Kenya’s creative ecosystem, where artists are no longer relying solely on traditional galleries, television stations or music labels for survival. Social media platforms, artificial intelligence tools and digital production technologies are opening new economic opportunities, particularly for young people.
Yet the digital shift also exposes long-standing inequalities. Women remain under-represented in both the technology and creative industries despite playing a major role in content production, cultural preservation and digital entrepreneurship. Many female creatives continue to face barriers, including limited access to funding, training, equipment and decision-making spaces.
That is why organisations such as WITIA are increasingly positioning women not just as participants in the digital economy but as leaders shaping it.
Gracie Wamwandu, who leads fundraising and partnerships at WITIA, says collaboration will be essential in ensuring inclusion within the creative technology space.
“Partnerships are essential in building inclusive and impactful creative spaces. Through collaboration with institutions, organisations and communities, we can create platforms that empower women, youth and emerging creatives to thrive,” she says.
Creative economy growth push
Kenya’s government has also started paying closer attention to the economic potential of the creative sector, particularly as unemployment among young people remains high. Policymakers increasingly view the creative economy as more than entertainment; it is becoming part of the country’s economic development strategy.
Fikirini Jacobs, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Creative Economy, argues that the sector could become a major source of jobs and innovation if properly supported.
“Kenya’s creative economy holds immense potential for employment creation, innovation, and national transformation,” he said. “Platforms such as the WITIA Creative Show demonstrate how technology, culture, and creativity can work together to create sustainable opportunities for young people and creative entrepreneurs.”
His remarks come at a time when African governments are under pressure to create jobs in sectors beyond traditional agriculture and manufacturing. Digital content creation, online media production, gaming, animation and virtual design are emerging as viable economic opportunities for young Africans.
But experts warn that without policy reforms, many creatives may still struggle to convert talent into sustainable income.
One of the biggest concerns is the rise of artificial intelligence within the arts industry. While AI tools can help artists improve production and expand audiences, they also raise fears around copyright, originality and job displacement. Kenyan artists are increasingly questioning who owns digital content generated or enhanced through AI technologies.
Balancing innovation with cultural preservation
Bella Namango, an advisory member at WITIA, believes the solution lies in balancing innovation with cultural preservation.
“The intersection between technology and art is redefining how we preserve heritage, communicate ideas and create impact,” she says. “By bringing together creatives and innovators, we are opening doors for collaboration, research, education and sustainable growth within the creative economy.”
Her comments highlight another emerging reality: Kenya’s cultural heritage is now entering the digital age. From virtual exhibitions to online storytelling and digital archiving, technology is changing how African stories are preserved and shared globally.
The challenge, however, will be ensuring that local creatives remain owners, not just consumers, of digital innovation.
As Kenya positions itself as a regional technology hub, the future of its creative economy may ultimately depend on whether artists, policymakers and innovators can work together to build an ecosystem that is inclusive, profitable and culturally grounded.
For many young creatives, the conversation is no longer simply about art. It is about survival, ownership and relevance in a rapidly changing digital world.