Kenyan TikTok creators could soon start earning directly from the government — but only if their content supports the country’s development agenda.
This follows an announcement by Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, who revealed a new programme aimed at funding digital creators who produce videos aligned with President William Ruto’s key priorities, such as affordable housing, job creation, healthcare, and agriculture.
Speaking during a creator training forum in Nairobi, Itumbi encouraged young digital creators to step forward and tap into the opportunity.
“The government is ready to set aside money for specific areas we are focusing on. I want creators to make use of it,” he said.
“If your content revolves around housing, health, jobs, or agriculture — we are willing to fund it.”
How the Plan Will Work
According to Itumbi, creators will be given official briefs or guidelines from the government. They will then be free to translate these messages into creative TikTok videos or digital content that appeal to online audiences.
He explained that this move marks a major shift in how the government advertises, moving away from traditional media like newspapers and TV, and embracing digital platforms where young people spend most of their time.
In fact, Itumbi pointed out that one of President Ruto’s first directives in 2022 was to ensure at least 30% of all government advertising budgets go toward digital platforms, showing a long-term commitment to supporting the online economy.
Push for Social Media Monetisation in Kenya
Itumbi also challenged international social media platforms — especially TikTok, which is hugely popular in Kenya — to enable full monetisation features for Kenyan users.
While platforms like Facebook already offer ad revenue sharing for Kenyan creators, TikTok does not yet provide built-in earning programmes in the country.
As a result, most Kenyan TikTokers currently rely on brand deals, influencer campaigns, affiliate marketing, or gifts from live streams, which often limits their income despite high engagement.
In July 2025, Itumbi had already hinted that the government was working on a way to negotiate monetisation tools with TikTok, but said creators must unite and push the request collectively to increase pressure.
As of October 2025, only three African countries — South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco — are eligible for TikTok’s Effect Creator Rewards, and none are included in TikTok’s main ad revenue programmes.
Join Government Official WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
