President Uhuru Kenyatta has said his government will set up talent academies across all the counties for to empower youth to pursue careers in the arts industry.
Speaking during the Kenya Schools and Colleges National Music Festival gala at the State House in Kisumu on Friday, President Kenyatta said that the talent academies would help sharpen the skills of the youth.
"We have talked severally on the need to set up talent academies across our different counties. There is a lot more we can do with the talent and performance. There are many of our children who leave school but are stuck on how develop their talent," said President Kenyatta.
He added: "Many people make use of talent, which is God given, to make money. We only need to prepare to equip our young people. Here the children who want to pursue a career in arts and culture can actually go and get the necessary training."
The festival, which took place in Kisumu County hosted 115,000 students from different parts of Kenya. The president assured of continued support for the National Music Festivals years on.
"Today is a day to celebrate different cultures, to celebrate our children in this country. It is a day that really reminds us of what it means to be a Kenyan. Its a day that brings people from different parts where they share their culture and issues that are of concern to the country," he said.
He noted that various performances were on corruption, drug abuse, FGM adding that it was a reminder of issues that Kenyans should join hands together in battling.
The president hinted at the possibility of having a vibrant film industry that could provide numerous job opportunities to talented youth.
"Just like Nigeria and other countries we can have talent industry that can employ young people," he said.