Exclusive: Njugush – Govt should define content creators before taxing them
Kenyan comedian and content creator Timothy Kimani alias Njugush has weighed in on the ongoing debate regarding taxation of content creators in the country.
Speaking exclusively to Nairobi News, Njugush said while everyone should be taxed, when it comes to content creators, the government should have a defined framework.
“I agree that everyone should pay tax. This is a must deal. However, when it comes to digital content creation, there should be a clear structure,” Njuguna said.
For a start, Njugush proposed that the government should begin by defining a content creator.
Also read: Parliamentary committee proposes reduction of content creators tax
“What I don’t understand is how the government will know content creators. Currently we have many, some are just barely starting. Which framework will the government use to tax them? This should be well defined and made clear,” Njugush said.
“Who is a content creator? Is it someone who has an Instagram or Facebook account? This is what we should get right first before the Bill is implemented. It should also be made clear how many people earn more through content creation,” he added.
According to Wikipedia, content creation is the act of producing and sharing information or media content for specific audiences, particularly in digital contexts.
Also read: Wa Muchomba – I’ll oppose Finance Bill to the bitter, even if it means losing my seat
However, we have content creators who monetize their content. Through utilization of online platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, some content creators earn a living.
Njugush is one of the most highly paid YouTubers in the country for his content which he co-creates with his wife Celestine Ndinda.
The new proposed Financial Bill 2023 has attracted widespread criticism in the country. The bill initially proposed a 15 per cent tax on content creators.
This proposal was strongly opposed by content creators in the country and the Finance and National Planning Committee has since recommended a reduction of the withholding tax for digital content creators from the 15 per cent to 5 per cent.
However, last week Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwour aka Jalang’o told content creators in the country that their flashy lifestyles is what has exposed them to the taxman.