The Fishermen Experience, held in Kisumu from Wednesday to Saturday, was a comprehensive event that combined workshops, civic sessions, and a concert at Mamboleo Stadium. The event aimed to equip young creatives with business skills and showcase Kenyan music. On Wednesday, artists and industry practitioners delivered masterclasses on the business of creativity, covering topics such as financial literacy, tax, investment, and brand building. These sessions provided valuable guidance on accessing credit and funding to expand creative projects.
The masterclasses were followed by civic engagement sessions on Thursday, which focused on constitutional rights, freedom of expression, copyright, fair contracts, and youth participation in governance. Voter-education activities encouraged participants to link their creative influence with civic participation. This segment of the event highlighted the importance of informed and engaged citizenship among young creatives. The sessions were designed to empower participants with knowledge and skills that can be applied in their personal and professional lives.
Safaricom’s Director of Brand, Marketing and Insights, Zizwe Awuor, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting young creatives beyond performance. The goal is to turn passion into sustainable opportunities, providing young people with the tools they need to succeed in the creative industry. Awuor highlighted the importance of nurturing talent and fostering a supportive environment for young creatives to thrive.
The two-day workshops brought together young people from various disciplines, equipping them with practical skills for sustainable careers. The event showcased the entrepreneurial spirit of Kenya’s creative ecosystem, with participants learning from industry experts and networking with peers. This exchange of ideas and experiences is expected to have a lasting impact on the creative industry in Kenya.
The concert on Saturday at Mamboleo Stadium shifted the focus to music and culture, featuring local artists and drawing fans from across Kisumu. The event showcased M-PESA’s role in live-entertainment commerce, with Pochi la Biashara and M-PESA tills enabling vendors to receive payments instantly. This integration of technology and entertainment highlighted the innovative ways in which creatives can monetize their work.
Attendee Collins Ochieng described the experience as an exciting gathering that celebrated Kenyan music and youthful energy. The Fishermen Experience provided a platform for young creatives to showcase their talents, learn from industry experts, and connect with like-minded individuals. The event demonstrated the potential for creative events to drive social and economic change in communities.
The Fishermen Experience forms part of Safaricom’s broader commitment to the creative economy, complementing initiatives such as the Hook Music Hip Hop regional auditions across Kakamega, Embu, and Kisumu. Organisers said the programme demonstrated how young Kenyans are using creativity to build careers, shape culture, and contribute to their communities. The event has set a precedent for future collaborations between Safaricom and young creatives in Kenya.
Key points
- Safaricom supports young creatives at Kisumu's Fishermen Experience, equipping them with business skills and showcasing Kenyan music.
- The event combined masterclasses, civic talks, and a concert, providing a comprehensive experience for young creatives.
- The Fishermen Experience demonstrated the potential for creative events to drive social and economic change in communities.
