Africa's top model picked as government promises tax exemption on film products

Winner Africa Next super model Chol Tot Nyang on the runway showcasing fashion by Daima Mkenya Africa. [David Gichuru,Standard] The government has announced plans to issue tax exemptions for film industry products in the country. This emerged on Saturday during the Africa's Next Super Model talent search held in Nairobi. The premier modeling competition is committed to discovering, nurturing, and showcasing exceptional modeling talent from across the continent. Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the move is aimed at elevating the sector that has been dwindling for years. He was represented by Timothy Owase, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kenya Film Commission. He said the tax incentives will also attract the international investors in the film industry to set up stages locally, which will in turn create jobs for the youths. "We are in the final stages of securing tax breaks and incentives for filmmakers in Kenya. With the national treasury's support, these incentives will reduce barriers to entry, attract local international projects, and create jobs within our borders" he said. Murkomen noted that the government is in advanced stages in scouting for collaborations to boost the creative industry. "We have recent embarked on a transformative initiative designed to elevate Kenya's creative sector to new heights. We have established partnerships with globally renowned organisations. Among these is an exciting collaboration with the Grammys providing Kenyan musicians with unprecedented access to international platforms and creating new pathways for our music industry to thrive," he said. Murkomen said events like Africa's Next Super Model underscores the importance of platforms that allow young creatives to gain international exposure and to horn their talents. "This competition offers young Africans a powerful platform, giving them an opportunity to showcase their skills, creativity, and passion on an international stage," he stated. The Africa's Next Super Model brought together international and local brands in fashion industry seeking to elevate Africa talents while preserving the continent's culture and heritage. It was an evening filled with gamour, talent, and top-tier networking featuring African celebrities and influencers. With top modeling scouting agencies from Europe and US present, the event provided an unparalleled platform for young models to gain international exposure, launch their careers, and connect with icons in the global fashion and modeling industry. Among the local designers whose products were showcased at the premier event was Daima Mkenya Africa fashion brand, which creates opportunities for young people and women across the country. Daima Mkenya Africa is unique in creating fabrics in colours that symbolize Kenya's traditional cultural expressions. The brand, founded by Zahra Bahlewa Moi, is already impacting lives positively in 11 countries across Kenya. Her vision was inspired by the scarcity of authentic clothing fabrics in colours that represent Kenya's national flag. The brand stands as more than just a brand - it's a call to action and a movement for all Kenyans to support their own. It emphasizes supporting local industries, celebrating Kenyan culture, and fostering economic growth by promoting homegrown products and designs, ethnically and sustainably. The competition featured 17 participants drawn from Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda with the winner Chol Tot Nyang bagging a Sh640,000 ($5000) cash prize. Scouted from Kakuma refugee camp Chol Tot Nyang - who was participating in a modeling competition for the first time - will be leaving for the US where she is expected to start working with top fashion and modeling brands. The first runner-up was also from Kakuma refugee camp and just like the Top 6 finalists, she will be leaving for Europe and US for a career transforming offers. Joan Okorodudu, the brains behind Africa's Next Super Model - through her foundation, Runways to Freedom in collaboration with Daima Mkenya Africa and other brands and stakeholders - expressed gratitude saying the girl's lives will change for better. "The girls have already been signed with global brands. I'm happy that their lives will never be the same again," she said. The Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Film Classification Board, Ezekiel Mutua, called for stakeholders to close rants in supporting the industry. "The platforms helps the youths build confidence and connects our young girls to the internal stages and market the beauty of Kenya, our fashion, culture and heritage," said Mutua. Among the other celebrated Kenyan designers showcased during the ceremony were the multiple award-winning Aulga Nato designs and Liz Ogumbo fashion.

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