Kenya has officially submitted a bid to host the Grammy Awards for the first time on the African continent, with the ceremony expected to take place in Nairobi, the nation’s capital.
President William Ruto made the announcement during a public gathering at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in December 2024.
According to Kenyan media reports published on Friday, September 5, 2025, President Ruto confirmed that the government has allocated 500 million Kenyan shillings (approximately \$3.9 million) to demonstrate its commitment to promoting the country’s cultural and creative industries.
President Ruto emphasized that the initiative aims to position Kenya as a continental leader in arts and entertainment. He added that the event would not only celebrate culture but also help establish state-of-the-art studios, nurture local talent, and boost African musicians’ visibility on the global stage.
“We want to host the Grammy Awards to showcase our culture-driven economy and to continue advancing our creative industries,” Ruto stated.
However, the move has sparked mixed reactions. While some praised it as a bold step forward, many criticized the government for spending such a large sum amid pressing national challenges in healthcare, education, and youth unemployment.
One social media user wrote:
“It’s heartbreaking to see Kenya struggling with serious problems in healthcare and education, yet leaders choose to waste taxpayers’ money on vanity projects. Africa is in the hands of failed leadership.”
Others questioned whether Kenya’s entertainment industry is strong enough to host such a prestigious event. A critic argued:
‘’Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana are the only countries that truly deserve to host the Grammys because of their strong music industries. You can pay to put your country in the spotlight, but do you have the capacity to sustain it? Leaders should prioritize schools, hospitals, and youth development instead.”
Despite the controversy, supporters maintain that bringing the Grammy Awards to Africa could place Kenya firmly on the global cultural map and open new international opportunities for African artists.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
