Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Maino has said that Nairobi will be the host city for the first DaVinci International Film Africa Festival in 2026, a feat that will place Kenya’s cultural and creative economies on the global platform.

Speaking on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the opening of DaVinci FilmAfrica in Nairobi, Maino described the event as a vibrant celebration of film, music, art, and culture. She noted that not only will the festival unify people from all walks of life but that it will also drive economic development and firmly position Kenyan talent on the international stage.

“Kenya is ready to take centre stage. Nairobi will host the first-ever DaVinci International Film Africa Festival in 2026. A celebration of film, music, art, and culture that will unite people, boost the economy, and showcase Kenyan creativity to the world,” Maino said.

CS Maino explained that the decision follows after a strategic partnership with the DaVinci International Film Festival, which aims to spotlight Kenya’s dynamic film industry. She also highlighted her meeting with the festival’s founder, Chadwick Pelletier.

“It was an honour to have met the man behind the show, Chadwick Pelletier, Founder Da Vinci International Film Africa and the Chairman, Kelvin Onyona. Joined by PS Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’Oei,” Maino stated.

Welcoming the 2026 DaVinci International Film Africa Festival, Maino termed it as a unique chance to promote “Magical Kenya” even as it reaffirms the nation’s stature as a melting pot of cultural diversity, innovation, and creative expression.

“As Kenya welcomes the world in 2026 for the Da Vinci International Film Africa Festival, this is a chance to showcase how magical Kenya is! It affirms our potential as a richly endowed talent hub that ignites the creative spirits of our own film-makers through cultural diversity and innovation,” Maino stated.

CS Maino added that hosting the DaVinci International Film Africa Festival will play a key role in positioning Kenya’s film industry on the global stage.

“This investment shares our unique stories as we shape narratives for the global market. Together, we’re making history!” CS Maino said.