The local film, music, drama, and arts sector has received a significant boost following the inauguration of a new talent academy by Mount Kenya University (MKU) on Thursday, June 20. The Cape Media Talent Academy, aimed at university students, promises professional hands-on training and numerous employment opportunities for budding artists.
In an innovative agreement between MKU and Cape Media Ltd, the university will supply the academy with creative content developed by its students. This partnership is set to engage talented students in various capacities, fostering job creation and industry growth.
MKU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, urged students to seize this opportunity and lauded Cape Media Limited for their forward-thinking initiative. “Moreover, the student artists who participate in content creation will receive certificates, providing them with a competitive edge in the job market,” noted Prof. Jaganyi.
The launch event, held at MKU’s Thika campus, saw prominent industry figures in attendance. CPA Paskal Opiyo, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Film Classification Board, praised both MKU and Cape Media for the establishment of the academy. “I applaud this initiative; it is key to addressing the mismatch of skills that has hindered young people pursuing careers in the Creative Economy,” he stated.
The Cape Media Talent Academy’s mission is to harness, cultivate, nurture, showcase, and monetize the talents of young Kenyans through comprehensive training. By providing a structured platform for creative expression and professional development, the academy is set to become a cornerstone of Kenya’s burgeoning arts sector.
As the talent academy opens its doors, it signals a new era of opportunity for MKU students and young artists nationwide, promising to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional success in the creative industries.
