President William Ruto and the team from International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) led by chief executive officer Victoria Oakley /PCS
President William Ruto has announced that three of the world's biggest record companies, Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, have agreed to establish offices in Nairobi.
The President made the announcement after meeting Victoria Oakley, the Chief Executive Officer of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), saying the development would strengthen Kenya's ambition to become Africa's leading hub for the recorded music industry.
"It was a pleasure meeting Victoria Oakley, Chief Executive Officer of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry," Ruto said in a statement shared on his social media platforms.
"I'm encouraged by the shared commitment to
strengthening Kenya's creative economy and positioning Nairobi as Africa's next
major hub for the recorded music industry."
Ruto said the commitment by the three global music companies reflected growing international confidence in Kenya's creative sector and the reforms being undertaken by his administration.
"I am particularly delighted that Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group have all agreed to establish a presence in Nairobi," he said.
"This is a significant vote of confidence in Kenya's creative talent, our policy direction, and the reforms underway to build a globally competitive music ecosystem."
The President said the government's focus would now shift to implementing policies that support artists and investors in the creative economy.
"The next phase is implementation, creating an environment where artistes, producers, publishers and investors can thrive together, generating jobs, exports and new opportunities for Kenyan creatives," he said.
"Kenya is open for music. Nairobi is ready."
President William Ruto, Youth Affairs PS Fikirini Jacobs, local creative industry players and artists and the team from International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) led by chief executive officer Victoria Oakley /PCS
The announcement signals a potential boost for Kenya's music
industry, with the presence of the three multinational record labels expected
to create new opportunities for local artists through talent development, music
production, distribution, publishing and access to international markets.
Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group dominate the global recorded music industry, collectively representing thousands of artists and accounting for a significant share of worldwide music revenues.
The announcement follows discussions with the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, the global body representing the interests of the recording industry.
The non-profit organisation represents more than 8,000 record labels and national trade associations operating in over 70 countries. It advocates for copyright protection, facilitates international licensing agreements, compiles global music market data and coordinates efforts to combat music piracy.
Although IFPI's global secretariat is based in London, the organisation maintains regional and local offices around the world, including a presence in Nairobi to support the development of music ecosystems across Kenya and the wider region.
The federation also publishes the annual IFPI Global Music Report, regarded as the definitive assessment of worldwide music revenues and consumption trends, particularly the rapid growth of music streaming. It also oversees international certification standards for commercial achievements such as Gold, Platinum and Diamond awards.
