Ruto Calls for Taxes on Kenyan Content Creators Benefiting from Monetisation Scheme
President William Ruto has announced plans to tax Kenyan content creators who are earning through the monetisation deal he negotiated earlier this year. Speaking during the Kenya Private Sector Alliance’s 20th Anniversary in Nairobi, Ruto emphasized fairness in taxation, pointing out that digital creators are now making millions through platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
“I negotiated with TikTok and Facebook, making Kenya one of only four countries where creators can monetize their accounts,” Ruto said. “If you earn Ksh.1 million, isn’t it fair to contribute something to the tax kitty, especially when we’ve enabled you to achieve that?”
The Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to tax digital operators, is currently awaiting its Second Reading in Parliament following public consultations.
Ruto noted that the April 2024 agreement with Google, META, and TikTok has opened opportunities for Kenyan creators, recognizing their talents in fields like music, graphic design, and virtual reality. However, his claim of Kenya being among four monetized African countries conflicts with Google’s policies, which list 12 African nations, including Kenya, as part of YouTube’s monetisation markets.
This proposal has sparked discussions about balancing revenue collection and supporting the growth of Kenya’s digital economy.
Ruto Calls for Taxes on Kenyan Content Creators Benefiting from Monetisation Scheme
