In a move to empower African storytellers and foster inclusive narratives, the Creative Economy Practice (CEP) launched the Creative Economy Practice Entertainment Hub in Nairobi on 4th of November, 2023.
“What excites me most about the Nairobi hub is its ability to empower creatives to move from consuming to producing,” Moky Makura, Executive Director of Africa No Filter said.
This innovative space is a part of the broader Entertainment and Media Hubs Program, supported by Africa No Filter, aimed at reshaping gender norms and promoting equity in storytelling across the continent.
“We are excited to be able to invite all storytellers in Kenya’s film, TV, and Creator Economy sectors to join our community and contribute to a future where storytelling empowers, inspires, and fosters inclusion,” Ojoma Ochai, Managing Director at CcHUB said.
The Entertainment Hub is said to be the latest addition to the Entertainment and Media Hubs Program, a visionary initiative designed to support African creators in film, television, and the Creator Economy.
“Creative hubs are pivotal in fostering innovation and collaboration,” Executive Director of Africa No Filter said.
The space offers facilities such as fully equipped podcast studios, a media room with filming capabilities, editing suites, and collaborative work spaces, tailored to the needs of contemporary storytellers.
Rewriting the narrative
The hub is not merely a facility, it’s a dynamic platform designed to address harmful stereotypes and gender norms through storytelling.
The broader Entertainment and Media Hubs Program focuses on fostering gender-equitable narratives, promoting diversity, and enhancing the representation of both men’s and women’s experiences. The initiative aims to improve social and economic outcomes for adolescent girls and young women across the continent by reshaping how African stories are told.
According to CcHUB, the 4 main pillars behind their holistic approach include Infrastructure, community, skills development and grants.
Infrastructure: The Entertainment Hub offers creators access to essential resources for producing professional, impactful content. They include editing and production suites.
Community: Creatives are welcomed into a thriving network of storytellers, industry experts, and thought leaders, both in Kenya and beyond.
Skills Development: Workshops, masterclasses, and hands-on training provide creators with the tools they need to elevate their craft.
Grants: Financial support is available for innovative projects aligned with the mission of fostering gender-equitable and transformative storytelling.
Legacy and Impact growth.
The Entertainment and Media Hubs Program was said to have made significant strides since its launch in August 2024.
“Virtual workshops on gender-equitable storytelling attracted over 150 participants, while a three-month Creator Economy Incubator in Kenya and Nigeria supported 60 emerging social media content creators.” CcHUB said.
The Kenyan incubator program, co-developed with Njugush Creative, included mentorship from leading voices in the industry, such as Celestine Ndinda, Judy Nyawira, and Timothy Kimani, popularly known as Njugush.
“Being part of the Creator Economy Incubation Program allows us to collaborate with like-minded innovators, fostering narratives that reflect diversity, inclusivity, and authenticity.” Founder of Njugush Creative, Timothy Kimani said.
These efforts underscore the initiative’s commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring creators have the support they need to succeed.
“At Njugush Creative, we believe in the power of storytelling to reshape perceptions and inspire change,” ‘Njugush’ said.
Building a Thriving Creative Economy
The launch of the Entertainment Hub in Nairobi is a testament to the growing recognition of Africa’s creative industries as vital drivers of economic and social transformation.
In addition, CEP explained that it was working to create a sustainable ecosystem that nurtures creativity and generates opportunities for wealth creation at the hub through harnessing innovation and technology, the Creative Economy Practice at CcHUB.
“By offering resources, skills training, and a community of like-minded individuals, this space can catalyze groundbreaking storytelling that changes perceptions of Africa on a global scale.” Makura said.
Beyond its facilities, the Entertainment Hub serves as a beacon of hope for African creatives, offering them the tools, training, and connections needed to thrive in a competitive global industry. Its focus on gender equity ensures that the stories emerging from this space will challenge stereotypes, reflect diverse perspectives, and inspire future generations.
The Nairobi Entertainment Hub represents not just a physical space but a bold step toward re-imagining the role of storytelling in shaping a better, more inclusive future. With its emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, it is poised to become a cornerstone of Africa’s creative economy.
As the hub opens its doors, it extends an invitation to all Kenyan storytellers to join the movement. Membership offers access to facilities, funding opportunities, and a community of peers and mentors.
“This initiative is more than just a platform,” ‘Njugush’ said, “it’s a movement to empower Kenyan creators to lead with impact, creativity, and a commitment to transforming the storytelling landscape,” he added.
SANDRA NEKH, Scholar, Writer, Film Director,
In the bustling heart of Kenya’s creative scene, Sandra Nekh is carving her niche as a young filmmaker and multimedia storyteller. With an impressive portfolio spanning text, photography, video, audio, and graphics, Sandra exemplifies the new wave of African creators harnessing digital platforms to share diverse narratives.
In an interview with Techweez, Sandra said that storytelling transcends mediums. She approaches each project with the understanding that every story has its unique medium, whether it’s a poetic composition or a visually compelling short film, or a digital illustration,
“Stories breathe where they will,” she said, emphasizing the fluidity and adaptability of her craft.
Beyond infrastructure, Sandra believes that the hub will enable her connect with a vibrant community of storytellers, networking opportunities, and grants for projects that challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity.
“These resources will help me in expanding my digital portfolio, refining my skills through workshops, and connecting with film industry professionals,” Nekhe said.
CcHUB’s initiative marks a significant leap forward for Kenya’s creative industry.
