Kenya's proposed Creative Economy Bill 2026, championed by President William Ruto, aims to bolster the nation's creative sector but introduces significant government oversight and potential hidden costs.

• The Bill establishes new bodies like the Kenya Audio-Visual and Cinema Commission and the Kenya Audio-Visual Regulatory Authority.
• A key concern is the Kenya Audio-Visual Regulatory Authority's power to issue takedown orders for content deemed unclassified or in contravention of law.
• Mandatory licenses for various creative activities and fees for official searches are expected to impose further financial burdens on practitioners.