Select Kenyan Facebook users will soon begin paying a 5% withholding tax to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) following Meta’s announcement regarding changes to how creator payouts will be processed.
This update was communicated directly to content creators through messages and widely shared on Facebook on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
In the notice, Meta informed creators that payouts from Meta Platforms Ireland Limited will be taxed at 5% under Kenyan tax law.
“Starting January 1, 2025, Kenyan tax law mandates that all businesses deduct and remit taxes to the KRA for payments made to creators located in Kenya. Consequently, Meta will deduct a 5% withholding tax from all payments made to you,” the message stated.
KRA to Start 5% Withholding Tax on Content Creators with Meta Set to Implement in December 2025
Meta also noted that these deductions would be reflected on the creators’ remittance advice, and tax deduction certificates would be available through the government portal.
According to Meta, starting in December 2025, content creator payouts will include the 5% withholding tax in addition to any other applicable withholding taxes, with the net amount after tax being paid to the creators.
Also Read: KRA Introduces New Tax Compliance Rules for Kenyans With Side Hustles and Rental Income
The deducted amount will also be documented in the remittance advice issued to them.
What Creators Need to Do
Meta has advised creators to ensure that their tax and business details are updated on the Payouts Page, including:
– Registered business name
– Registered address
– Tax Identification Number (TIN)
The company confirmed that the payment process will remain unchanged, and payouts will continue to be deposited into the same bank accounts.
Content Creators React to Meta’s Directive
Following Meta’s announcements, several content creators have expressed concerns about the tax deduction.
Radio presenter and sports journalist Hassan Mwana wa Ali lamented the situation, saying, “Maskini! Ushuruuuuuu!!!!”
Another content creator, Malala Luttah, humorously commented, “The government asked content creators to pay tax, but they declined to remit. Now they’ve reached out to Meta, and Meta is doing the job for them! They will now withhold 5% and remit to KRA! But what about us low-income earners? I blame those who share the millions they earn from Meta!”
Discussions about taxing content creators began in Kenya with the Finance Bill 2023, which introduced a withholding tax on digital content monetization.
Also Read: KRA Unveils New System to Help Kenyans Clear Tax Arrears in Easy Instalments
The Finance Act 2023 introduced a 5% withholding tax for resident digital content creators and a 20% withholding tax for non-residents. The Finance Act 2024 further clarified that the tax applies to creative works and to the creation or sharing of any material that is not tax-exempt.
The Finance Bill 2024 also expanded the scope of this tax. KRA has already begun implementing taxes on content creators through the Digital Services Tax (DST) and plans to refine the regulations further.
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