KNATCOM MARKS WORLD ART DAY 15TH APRIL WITH POMP AND COLOUR
The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO KNATCOM in partnership with the Kenya Cultural Centre this year celebrated World Day on 15th April 2026 at the Kenya National Theatre. World Arts Day proclaimed at the 40th session of UNESCO’s General Conference in 2019 aims to promote greater awareness of the diversity of artistic expressions while highlighting the contribution of artists to sustainable development. The Commission marked this year’s World Art Day by supporting artists from Nairobi urban communities. Among the groups that showcased their creative works were; Rapala Dance Troupe, Dandora Hip Hop City, African Tumbas, Kenge Kenge, Swat Dancers among others. The event transformed the National Theatre into melting pot of cultures through diverse performances reflecting traditional, contemporary dances, spoken word, poetry.
The theme for this year’s world art day was; “Artists’ Rights Matter: Safeguarding Expression, Identity, and Diversity. The event served as a critical platform for reflecting on the socio-economic rights of artists regarding their working conditions. Recognizing that Kenya’s Constitution calls for protection of artistic rights in line with article 27 of the universal declaration of human rights and the 1980 Recommendation on status for the artists.
During the opening ceremony, the Ag. Secretary general/ CEO of KNATCOM, Dr. James Njogu, who delivered a powerful address on the transformative power of culture and arts in development. Describing art as life itself, Dr. Njogu called for uttermost respect in how artists are treated, particularly regarding fair payment and working conditions of artists. The CEO recognized the critical role artists paly in society by preserving cultural heritage, languages while contributing to societal well-being, and further challenge injustices and inspire hope for a better future. The CEO called upon key stakeholders in the culture and creative sector to join hands to promote and protect artistic rights and freedom.
Expounding on the theme, Ms. Emily Njeru Ag. Director Culture Programme shared with participants the work of the Commission in promoting artistic rights through the Fair Culture practices project. She highlighted that KNATCOM had played a major role among other global partners in the development of the Fair Culture Charter a global advocacy document that calls for safeguarding of social and economic rights of artists and cultural professionals and participatory cultural governance. The Commission in the recent past had conducted several capacity buildings programs to promote policy advocacy for better working conditions for the artists and cultural workers. In 2026 KNATCOM had supported translation of the Fair Culture Charter to Swahili languag (Mkataba wa Utamanduni Wenye Haki); with a view to create greater awareness on socio- economic rights of artists.
The dialogue on fair culture deepened during the panel discussion that featured industry voices like Ms. Olivia Ambani, Devain Wandera, and Jacob Oketch, moderated by Mr. Khainga a journalist at KBC, writer and poet. The panelists tackled the harsh realities of the industry, citing infrastructure gaps, funding challenges, and a lingering mindset that undervalues professional artistry. Ms. Ambani highlighted the need for educational reform to better integrate cultural understanding. The consensus was that for the arts to thrive, there must be a systemic shift in how society invests in and perceives the creative sector.
KNATCOM reaffirms its commitment to promote artistic freedom and national values to promote peace and cohesion.
Day in Pictures
