Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked young people in the creative sector to capitalise on every opportunity to fully exploit their talents as he urged parents not to be an impediment to them in pursuit of excellence.
The Deputy President said the government is investing in nurturing talent in the creative industry to enable the young people to fully exploit their natural abilities.
Speaking on Tuesday at the close of the National Drama and Film Festival at Kang’aru Girls School in Embu County, the Deputy President said the country is teeming with talent in many sectors, especially in the creative economy.
“The creative economy is part of our Plan. We are working on spurring this sector for our youth to earn a living from it,” assured Mr Gachagua.
The Deputy President said the performances at the Festival had been electrifying, informative and thought-provoking, challenging the script writers and producers to consider delving into the subject of illicit brews and drug abuse.
“The performances here on the drugs and substance abuse menace are illuminating. We want great productions on the situation we find ourselves in as a country on these vices. We must communicate to the Kenyan nation through drama, song and dance because they will understand us better through these,” said the DP.
Mr Gachagua promised to sponsor a nationwide tour of a group that will come up with the best piece of the fight against the vices.
“I look forward to great productions on these next year and I am willing to sponsor the performers to move around the country to spread the message on the effects of illicit brews and drugs,” he added.
While celebrating performers with disabilities, he said it was wrong for parents or guardians to keep the disabled children at home, saying they should be allowed to exploit their talents as well.
“We must allow all our children, especially those abled differently, to be out and exploring their capabilities like everyone else,” added the Deputy President.
Mr Gachagua also said they will continue to invest in the Festivals promising to support a reward system that will see top performers financially awarded.
“These Drama and Film Festivals allow us to identify, incubate and prune potential talent to the highest yields. It is the epitome of the CBC System, where a gifted student in the Creatives is supported to focus on strengthening their talent to full exploitation,” he said.
