The 6th edition of the Kuza Awards went down filled with pomp and color, attracting stakeholders across the entertainment and broadcasting industry. The Kuza Awards is an initiative of the Communications Authority of Kenya that recognizes excellence while celebrating the strides made in the sector over time.
This year’s theme was anchored on “Shaping the Future of Broadcasting: Towards a Creative Economy,” coming at a time when there is a heated debate on the role the creative industry plays in the Kenyan economy.
“This theme speaks to the important role that the sector plays as a catalyst of the creative economy and the broader government agenda of reinvigorating the creative economy as an enabler of job creation,” said Mr. Ezra Chiloba, the Director General of the Communications Authority.
During the awarding ceremony, it emerged that Kenyans had overwhelmingly voted for Citizen TV as the best TV station in Kenya together with Ramogi TV, and K24. For best-pay TVs, Kenyans went for GOtv, Startimes, and DStv respectively.
The People’s Choice Award under Kenya’s favorite online content creators went to Abel Mutua, Mike Muchiri, Crazy Kennar, and Blessed Njugush with each walking away with a Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze trophy respectively.
“For the first time in the history of the Kuza Awards, we have included a new category that recognizes content creators who are creating impact through their creative works. We believe that through this approach, we can inspire a new generation of content creators who will take the business to greater heights,” added Mr. Chiloba
When it came to the best radio stations, most giants missed out but Radio Maisha, Citizen FM, and Radio 47 were voted as the best.
“These awards also demonstrate the value of collaboration across sectors in the country as a way of enhancing synergy and cohesion. We continue to work closely with other government agencies, especially on cross-cutting issues in the broadcasting industry and in the success of the Kuza Awards,” he added.
On his part, Sports CS Ababu Namwamba said that the expansion of the awards to fete online content creators is a great step in the right direction in supporting the creative economy as a platform for job creation and expression of our national pride.