Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba finally released the Sh7.8 million 2022 Kalasha Awards Prize money. It has been over a year since the event happened at Safari Park Hotel to honor winners across 39 categories. The funds release only came after songstress Sanaipei Tande called out the government for failing to pay the award money as promised.
“Today, Youth, creative economy and Sports CAS @ababu_namwamba1 together with @kenyafilmcommission handed over cheques to the winners of the 2022 Kalasha International Film and TV awards.”
The CS stated.
Initially, the winners were to walk away with Sh100,000 prize money, but the attending CS pledged to double the winnings.
Sanaipei Tande Exposé
Songbird Sanaipei Tande triggered the release of the Sh7.8 million prize money. Earlier, the musician expressed frustration as she revealed that a year later, there has been no prize money and no communication from the event stakeholders.
“One year later, no prize money and no communication on the same from Kenya Film Commission, Kalasha Kenya, or CS Ababu Namwamba.”
The 47 year old lady expressed.
Interestingly, the singer highlighted that the government allocated Sh167 million for Kenya National Theatre renovations. And in a bid to develop new talent. However, Sanaipei raised the question of the support provided for existing talent.
“But (the government) 167M set aside for Kenya National Theatre renovations in bids to develop and nurture NEW talent! What of the existing talent?”
Sanaipei Tande stated.
2023 Kalasha Awards Postponed
The annual Kalasha Film & TV Awards, presented by the Kenya Film Commission, aim to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in Kenya’s TV and film industry. Eligible entries for the award ceremony include films and TV series that have been broadcast on Kenyan television stations. However, Due to the controversy, the annual Kalasha Awards originally scheduled for this year have been postponed to March 2024 for the 13th edition.
By BNN.