Ruto promises content creators government adverts
Content creators could soon receive attractive pay checks after the government promised to allocate money for advertisements on their platforms.
President William Ruto made the promise during a specch at State House, Nairobi on June 13, 2023.
The Head of State was addressing content creators who attended the YouTube Black Voices conference.
The President said this is the government’s way of supporting and appreciating the creativity of local content creators.
In his speech, the President said of the Sh300 billion the government spends on advertising every year, at least 10 per cent, or Sh30 billion, should go to local content creators.
He instructed ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo to ensure that his directives are implemented.
“And I’m talking about Sh30 billion. So mjipange. Get ready, think big, think smart and please get yourselves to work so that even the government can advertise on the space you occupy because this is the future of work,” said the President.
The President also accepted the plea from content creators to slow down on their tax plan, even as he noted that they make a lot of money from their work.
“I told the committee in Parliament to have a chat with you, but I’m happy that you say you’re happy to have a chat and we’re willing to relax some of the issues.”
The government had originally proposed a 15 per cent tax on content creators in the 2023 Finance Bill, but this was reduced to 5 per cent following an outcry across the country.
“Where am I going to get the money for the digital superhighway? Everyone has to contribute a little bit.”
The President added that the government is pursuing several avenues that will make it easier for content creators to do their work.
He also said that the government is investing heavily in the digital sector because it is the future of work and therefore a place for the government to generate revenue.