Kenyan content creators will now be able to earn from their content on Facebook and Instagram.
President William Ruto made this announcement on Monday, December 12, while making his Jamhuri Day speech at Uhuru Gardens.
The head of state revealed that he had successfully made a deal with Meta, the tech giant, to create monetization opportunities for Kenyans.
“I have good news for our creatives and those who imagine and produce content through Facebook and Instagram.
“Just yesterday, Meta committed to helping creators in Kenya earn money for crafting original content. Following a pilot program with eligible creators in the country,” he announced.
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Further, he stated that Meta would run a pilot program with eligible Kenyan content creators.
“Meta will be expanding monetization opportunities and allowing more creators to earn a living doing what they love,” stated Ruto.
Ruto’s Promise to Kenyan Facebook Content Creators
Ruto promised to strike a deal with Meta to help content creators make money from social media on December 12, 2022.
At the time, he indicated that he was already speaking to the tech giant adding that content ought to earn Kenyans a living.
“I have spoken directly to Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, to monetize content.
“If I was not a State officer, I wonder what the content on my small Facebook page would earn me daily,” Ruto stated a year ago to this day.”
Meta Gives Feedback on Monetization
Later in October 2023, Meta announced that it was already working on possibilities to allow Kenyan content creators to make money off of its platforms.
Also, Ruto directed Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba to fast-track the creation of the Creatives Bill.
He added that the Permanent Presidential Music Commission would be changed into the Creatives Commission of Kenya, as a way of ensuring the welfare of Kenyan creatives was prioritized.
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Ruto explained that the Creatives Commission of Kenya would set up studios accessible to artists to allow them to monetize their content.
Initially, content creators depended on endorsements, promotions and other advertising strategies to get money from their content.
Ruto on Kenya Grammy Deal
On the other hand, the president indicated that Grammy Awards had partnered with the government and would be shooting movies in Kenya.
“This administration has also taken deliberate steps to build and invest in the creative economy. First, the famous Grammy Awards have a partnership with us and starting January,
“The innovation studios of Hollywood have agreed to begin shooting multiple movies right here in Kenya,” he stated.
