As global interest in digital art surges, more Kenyan artists are turning to NFTs (non‑fungible tokens) to sell and monetize their creations online — offering a new avenue for income beyond traditional galleries and exhibitions. These digital certificates of ownership allow artworks to be sold, resold, and tracked on blockchain platforms, giving creators worldwide reach while retaining control over their work. For many Kenyan artists, NFTs represent freedom: no need for physical shipping logistics or heavy production costs, and an opportunity to connect directly with global buyers who appreciate African art.
Several Kenyan creatives have already begun embracing this shift. Painters, illustrators, and digital graphic artists upload their work to marketplaces, mint their art as NFTs, and promote them on social media for sale. Some have found quick success selling pieces that celebrate Kenyan culture, nature, and social realities — tapping into both diaspora interest and international demand for authentic African narratives. For example, digital artists illustrating Nairobi cityscapes, Afro‑futurist portraits, or wildlife art have noted growing interest from foreign collectors, often fetching more for a single sold token than for multiple physical pieces locally.
Yet, challenges remain. The NFT space is volatile — prices fluctuate, and success tends to favour those who already have strong online presence or marketing skills. Artists without reliable internet, awareness, or access to crypto wallets struggle to break in, limiting the democratizing potential of NFTs. Additionally, concerns about energy use of blockchain networks, copyright protection, and long‑term value of digital art linger. Nonetheless, as awareness and infrastructure improve in Kenya — with artists learning blockchain basics, joining digital art communities, and leveraging social media — NFTs have begun reshaping how Kenyan creators earn, build audiences, and claim ownership over their art in the digital age.