William Ruto Announces Kenyans Will Earn Money By Creating Original Content On Facebook, Instagram

• President William Ruto revealed that Meta had run a pilot programme with eligible Kenyan content creators
• Initially, content creators depended on endorsements, promotions and other advertising strategies to get money from their content
• The United Democratic Alliance leader directed Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwmba to fast-track the creation of the Creatives Bill

TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto brings over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

President William Ruto has announced that Facebook's parent company, Meta, will expand its monetisation opportunities to Kenyans.

Speaking during the Jamhuri Day celebrations on Tuesday, December 12, at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Ruto said content creators will earn a living by producing original content on Facebook and Instagram.

The president revealed that Meta had run a pilot programme with eligible Kenyan content creators.

"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 earn money in Kenya for crafting original content following a pilot programme with eligible creators in the country. Meta will be expanding monetisation opportunities and allowing more creators to earn a living doing what they love," Ruto disclosed.

How William Ruto secured the Meta deal

Ruto previously said he spoke to Meta to ensure local content creators were compensated.

Initially, content creators depended on endorsements, promotions and other advertising strategies to get money from their content.

"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 said.

Ruto directed Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwmba to fast-track the creation of the Creatives Bill.

He noted that the Permanent Presidential Music Commission would be transformed into the Creatives Commission of Kenya.

The president said the Creatives Commission of Kenya would set up studios accessible to artists to allow them to monetise their content.

What will YouTubers earn?

Elsewhere, YouTube announced that Kenyan content creators stand to receive up to KSh 1.1 million every month for uploading short 15-second videos on its new platform, YouTube Shorts.

In a blog post, YouTube described Shorts as a new short-form video experience for creators and artists who want to shoot short, catchy videos using only their mobile phones.

The new KSh 10.98 billion YouTube fund will be distributed to thousands of creators who qualify each month as bonus payments based on the performance of the content.