Government urged to back Artivism as catalyst for change in Kenya

The call came during the launch of PAWA254’s landmark report, “The Role of Artivism in Advancing Socio-Economic and Political Development in Kenya,” in Nairobi on Thursday.

The report highlights how artivism (the fusion of artistic expression and civic activism) amplifies marginalised voices, fosters civic engagement, and influences governance, while also noting challenges such as limited legal protection, funding gaps, and institutional under-recognition.

Speaking at the launch, PAWA254 Executive Director Njeri Mwangi said: 

"We need to link creativity to civic power, where we move art beyond expression to influence. This report reminds us of three hard truths: First, artivism is doing governance work long before policy arrives. Secondly, creative expression often reaches communities that formal civic processes never do. Third, despite its impact, artivism remains structurally under-recognised, under-protected, and under-funded.”

The launch featured a panel discussion on artivism’s role in digital civic engagement, youth and women inclusion, and the sustainability of Kenya’s creative economy. 

Senator Crystal Asige, a performing artist, called on creatives to actively use their platforms to shape the country’s future, saying: “No one else can inspire change the way artists do.”

The report recommends integrating artivism into national and county development frameworks, strengthening legal protections for artivists, expanding inclusive creative infrastructure, and unlocking sustainable financing.

PAWA254 said the findings are intended to spark continued dialogue, policy reform, and cross-sector collaboration, ensuring artivism is recognised as a legitimate and transformative force in Kenya.