Kenya has made a bold move to position itself as a hub for global creative excellence by announcing plans to host the first-ever Grammy Awards for Africa.

The country has already paid Ksh500 million to secure the event, as revealed during a town hall meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Monday, December 9.

President William Ruto, alongside Dennis Itumbi, Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects, shared the development, highlighting Kenya’s commitment to fostering the creative industry.

During the meeting, Itumbi hinted at ongoing negotiations to finalize plans for the African edition of the Grammys, saying, “There’s a gentleman from the Grammy Awards, and there’s also something being done around hosting the Grammy Awards for Africa.”

President Ruto clarified the financial readiness for the event, interjecting, “Actually, the money for the Grammys has already been paid. We are not about to pay. We already paid Sh500 million, and I’m sure the gentleman from Grammys can confirm that.”

The Grammy Awards, established in 1958 by the Recording Academy, are among the most prestigious honors in the global music industry, recognizing exceptional achievements across various genres.

Earlier this year, the Academy introduced the Best African Music Performance category, further emphasizing its recognition of the continent’s rich musical heritage.

Kenya’s initiative aligns with its broader cultural ambitions, including a bid to host the World Creative Economy Conference in 2027.

By securing the African Grammys, the country seeks to cement its reputation as a leader in the global creative space, celebrating and elevating African music to the world stage.