StarTimes Media has injected Ksh 100 million into Kenya’s creative sector, unveiling a major local talent development initiative aimed at accelerating growth in the country’s film and entertainment industries.
The investment was announced during the launch of their flagship talent search program, “Next Super Star on Saturday aligns with the government’s agenda to revamp the Orange Economy and promote youth empowerment through the creative industry.
The event drew key industry players and government officials, including StarTimes CEO Jimmy Carter, Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Jacob Fikirini, Kenya Film Commission CEO Timothy Owase, and StarTimes Marketing Director Tamima Ibrahim among others.
Set to premiere on May 3, 2025, and run through August, Next Super Star will air exclusively on StarTimes’ Rembo TV and Rembo Plus channels and will be hosted by comedian Eddie Butita and Amina Abdi Rabar, with a judging panel featuring King Kaka, Size 8 Reborn, and Motif the Don.
The competition promises 13 live episodes, 13 mid-week episodes, and prizes for 18 contestants valued at over one million shillings.
StarTimes CEO Jimmy Carter emphasized the company’s commitment to nurturing young talent and supporting the creative economy.
“We have invested over Ksh 100 million into the production of this show because we believe in the potential of Kenyan and African youth. Next Super Star is more than a singing competition-it’s a launch pad for Kenya’s brightest new talents, offering them exposure, mentorship, and the chance to shine on a national stage,” Carter said.
He added that the company will continue to invest in quality content and partnerships to promote local talent and deliver the best possible viewing experience for its customers.
Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Jacob Fikirini, emphasized the government’s determination to create an environment where young talents are recognized, nurtured, and turned into sustainable careers.
“Programs like Next Super Star align perfectly with the government’s agenda of promoting youth empowerment through the creative industry,” said Fikirini.
He pointed out that such initiatives are vital enablers, facilitating investments and fostering job creation in the film and creative sectors.
Kenya Film Commission CEO Timothy Owase highlighted the transformative potential of the Orange Economy, noting its ability to create meaningful job opportunities for Kenyan youth.
“The creative industry has a potential of injecting capital into our economy. By investing in talent, we are investing in Kenya’s future. The Next Super Star project is a major step in awakening the Orange Economy, and we at Kenya Film Commission are proud to support such initiatives,” Owase stated.
He reiterated the Commission’s goal to make Kenyan content immediately recognizable and valued both locally and internationally, with exclusive productions and dedicated platforms contributing to talent growth.
StarTimes Marketing Director Tamima Ibrahim reiterated the company’s ongoing commitment to producing high-quality, engaging, and locally relevant content.
“We believe that Africa is bursting with incredible talent that simply needs a platform to shine. StarTimes will continue to invest in empowering young people through initiatives like Next Super Star. This is not just about entertainment, it’s about building dreams and boosting our creative economy,” she said.
She also underscored the importance of public-private collaborations in unlocking the full potential of Kenya’s creative industries, stressing that continued investment in quality content will create job opportunities for Kenyans.
