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Imara Roundtable Series

The Imara Cultural and Creative Industries Roundtables

A multi-sectoral approach to finding solutions to policy and practical concerns in the creative sector in Kenya.

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The creative sector which is propelled by the imagination and the interpretation of events in society leverages knowledge and information.

The creative sector which is propelled by the imagination and the interpretation of events in society leverages knowledge and information. As a result it triggers innovation and sustainable development.
It also supports traditional and indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions.


But these industries to spur inclusive development, they require facilitative national institutions, maximization of business capacity and the deliberate growth of creative content and services. It is important that we understand what needs to be done to make the industries thrive.

Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law

Concilia Were on Intellectual Property and the Creative Industry

The Round Table was convened to discuss Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law. The forum drew participation of legal experts working in the area of Intellectual Property, Office of the Deputy President, Government agencies Kenya Intellectual Property Institute, Kenya Conservatoire of Music, and Kenya Copyright Board.

The issues discusses included:

  1. How can the challenges facing the creative sector be resolved? Which government agencies are best placed to address them?
  2. Which knowledge gaps exist in the creative sector and who can fill them? Do the creatives know where to get an IP lawyer?
  3. Can the government use the existing legal instruments to protect the sector from monopolies?
  4. Which policy and legislative gaps exists and what can we do about them?
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Opportunities for cooperation in Film, TV & Digital Media

Njoki Muhoho Interview about Opportunities for Cooperation between Film, TV and Digital media

The second IMARA Round Table was convened to discuss Cooperation in Film, TV and Digital Media. The forum drew participation of stakeholders from the film industry including film directors, festival curators and representatives from film associations among others; government including representatives from Kenya Film Commission, Department of Film Services and Office of the Deputy President, and academia.

The issues discusses included:

  1. How do you build a consciousness in a country/citizenry so that people celebrate the positive content that is generated locally?
  2. How do we cultivate loyal audiences at scale?
  3. Regarding sector data:There is a need to identify the requisite types of data on the creative industry, to determine a criteria for analysis and define a specific objective for this analysis.
  4. What does a successful film industry look like?
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Skills & The Future of the Creative Industry

Timothy Owase and Nyambura Waruinge Interview about Skills & The Future of the Creative Industry

In this third edition of the Imara Round Table Discussions, the focus was on the skills needed to sustain and develop the creative sector. The forum drew participation of stakeholders from academia, government and practitioners working in film, animation and new media.

The issues discusses included:

  1. How is the young creative being mentored and nurtured? How are youth expected to enter the market?
  2. How do we ensure continuous supply of the critical professions in the industry?
  3. Does the creative sector policy/bill cover the new media in the digital space? Is the policy timeless?
  4. Do the industry opportunities generate income? Does the industry understand Virtual Reality and the opportunities it provides?
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