Grace Ashiru
Three weeks after Meta introduced monetisation tools for content creators in Kenya, the Kenyan government has begun discussions with TikTok to introduce similar monetisation options for local creators. Mary Kerema, the Secretary of ICT, e-Government, and Digital Economy, highlighted that this initiative aligns with Kenya’s strategy to generate more job opportunities for its youth, particularly through digital platforms. The aim is to empower young Kenyans to earn an income online while staying active and productive.
Kerema shared these insights during the launch of TikTok’s inaugural Safety Advisory Council for sub-Saharan Africa, held in Nairobi. She commended TikTok not only for establishing community guidelines but also for actively involving stakeholders to ensure that content regulations are both fair and comprehensible.
Although there has been some buzz about TikTok launching monetization in Kenya by June 2024, a TikTok spokesperson has clarified that there’s no set timeline for when direct monetization will be available in Africa.
For now, Kenyan creators can still earn money through features like live gifting, video gifts, and brand partnerships.
While TikTok creators in Kenya may have to wait a bit longer for direct monetization options, the government is actively pushing to expedite the process. Talks with TikTok are scheduled to start next week, and there’s hope for a swift resolution that will benefit the country’s young creators.
