Interior CS nominee Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed that Kenya has paid USD 2.5 million (approximately Ksh324 million) to host an African Grammy Awards centre in the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, December 19, Murkomen disclosed that the Ministry of Sports and Creative Economy finalized an agreement with Grammy Global Ventures (GGV) on September 25, 2023, to establish the centre in Kenya.
Murkomen, the outgoing Sports CS, confirmed that the government has fulfilled all financial commitments, with the final installment paid in December 2024.
“We signed an agreement with Grammy Global Ventures (GGV) on September 25, 2023, committing to collaborate on establishing the Africa Academy headquarters or centre in Kenya. This month, we completed the fourth and final installment of USD 2.5 million, positioning us as the frontrunners to host the Academy,” Murkomen stated.
According to Murkomen, the centre is set to be hosted at the 160-acre Digital Media City at Konza Technopolis. Financing agreements for constructing the facility have already been signed with the Republic of Korea, and the project is currently in the design stage.
“The facility will be located at the Konza Technopolis. Financing agreements with the Republic of Korea have been signed for the construction of the anchor building and site infrastructure,” Murkomen explained.
Murkomen noted that the realization of the African Grammy Awards Centre requires at least two founding member nations to pay an equal fee of USD 2.5 million. Rwanda, Nigeria, and South Africa have also signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements to be considered as founding members.
By hosting the African Grammy Awards Centre, Murkomen emphasized that Kenyan music creators will gain access to the Recording Academy’s technological resources, networks, and expertise.
“This centre will provide Kenyan music creators with access to the Recording Academy’s technological resources, brand, networks, and expertise, enabling them to produce original music that showcases our cultural heritage to a global audience,” he said.
He further highlighted the economic advantages, including job creation, increased business activity, and the development of music production infrastructure.
“Hosting this centre will boost our local economy by creating jobs, increasing business opportunities, and enhancing our music production infrastructure. Moreover, our artists will earn more from the global exposure of their work,” Murkomen added.
With all financial obligations met and preparations underway, Kenya is well-positioned to host the African Grammy Awards Centre, a move that is expected to significantly uplift the local music industry and boost the country’s cultural and economic standing.
