Kenyan digital content creators to monetize content on Facebook- Ruto

President William Ruto has announced that Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, will allow digital creators in Kenya to monetize their content on the platforms from June 2024.

Speaking on Monday,  President Ruto who hosted the Facebook Management Team at State House, Nairobi, alongside prominent content creators to discuss monetization strategies said he had gotten a commitment from the officials of the platform. 

Nick Clegg, Facebook’s President of Global Affairs, confirmed that Kenyan creators will have the opportunity to earn revenue through various channels across Facebook and Instagram, including in-stream ads in their content, Facebook Stories, Instagram subs, and IG gifs.

This move follows a year-long effort by the government, led by President Ruto, to advocate for creators to earn from their online content.

In his remarks, President Ruto commended the relentless efforts of the creators in advocating for their rights. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made in achieving the monetization process.

In a few weeks, many of you will be eligible. Eligibility criteria will now be available for all creators in Kenya. That’s a big step to make sure that our content creators have an opportunity to monetize their talent to give themselves additional revenue and I’m truly grateful to Facebook for walking with us on this journey.” he said.

The Head of State further revealed that he has received assurances that the monetization process will commence in June, aligning with his administration’s bottom-up agenda.

“I’ve gotten a commitment that by June, all our creators will now have an opportunity to monetize everything they do in that space, put Ads, and it speaks to our Bottom-up Economic Transformation agenda on making sure that we give everybody a chance,” he said.

President Ruto also highlighted the importance of leveraging accessible platforms like M-Pesa for the monetization process, recognizing that not everyone has access to credit cards.

“Furthermore, I am delighted that the monetization process will be facilitated through M-Pesa. This is significant as not everyone has access to credit cards, and leveraging a platform as accessible as M-Pesa will benefit a broader range of individuals,” he added.

Additionally, renowned Kenyan comedian Eddie Butita while speaking at the State House during The President’s meeting advised President William Ruto to monetize his Facebook page.

Butita told the President that now he has a chance to make more money through his Facebook page which has millions of followers.

“Last year Mr President you mentioned that I earn more than your salary. I think this year you will overtake me because you will overtake me because you have a Facebook page. All you need to do is to monetize it and you will make some good money, after tax,” Butita jokingly stated.

Butita went on to add how the creative industry has employed a lot of youths, who follow in the footsteps of developed content creators like Eddie Butita himself.

“We’ve poured our hearts and souls with hopes that one day we’ll achieve and increase financial rewards. This is a day that our passions will translate into sustainable income. Furthermore, the creative industry has employed a lot of youths. Enabling this industry has a lot of benefits and contributes positively to the GDP also because we create content that is consumed both locally and internationally,” Butita said.

“As Meta introduces monetization opportunities that revolutionalize how content creators like me operate, I will urge all content creators to seize these opportunities and create meaningful and engaging content,” Butita added.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, allowing monetization in Kenya means that any Kenyan content creator who passes the eligibility criteria will be able to monetize their content.

Institutions, businesses, and organizations can also qualify for monetization.

To be eligible, creators must;

• Have more than 5,000 followers more than 18 years old
• have more than 5 active videos on their page
• Collect more than 60,000-minute views in the last 60 days
• Pass monetization policies & community standards.

Creators on Facebook and Instagram receive payouts once a month, subject to compliance with all applicable terms and policies.

Final payments are calculated at the end of each month and paid out approximately 21 days later.

Any creator who fits the eligibility criteria will be notified by the app to set up their financial account and start monetizing their content.