1. Kenya's Government Initiatives
2. Launch of TikTok Safety Advisory Council
3. Current and Planned Monetisation Programs

The Kenyan government is collaborating with the TikTok platform to provide local content creators with opportunities to earn income. This initiative aims to stimulate youth employment in the country.

Kenya's Government Initiatives

Secretary of ICT and Digital Economy, Ms Mary Kerema, emphasized the government's commitment to job creation through digital platforms. “We are very deliberate in creating jobs using digital platforms. It is in the government's interest to ensure that young people can earn where they spend most of their time,” Kerema stated.

Launch of TikTok Safety Advisory Council

Ms Kerema made this statement during the launch event of TikTok's Safety Advisory Council for Sub-Saharan Africa in Nairobi. This council is the first safety consultative group by any social media platform in the region. Speaking at the event, Kerema commended TikTok's approach to community safety and content regulation. TikTok not only issues guidelines but also engages stakeholders to ensure fair and understood community rules, she remarked.

Current and Planned Monetisation Programs

Ms Kerema indicated that negotiations will commence next week, with the government hoping for a swift resolution. In March, Kenyan President William Ruto signed an agreement with Meta, allowing Kenyan content creators to earn from Facebook and Instagram starting June 2024. TikTok has also introduced new programs to support creativity and income generation on the platform, but direct monetisation is currently available only in select countries. According to TikTok’s community lead for Sub-Saharan Africa, Felistus Mwangi, Kenyan creators can currently use live gifting, video gifts, and brand partnerships as monetisation options.

The Kenyan government is actively working towards creating economic opportunities for the youth through collaborations with social media platforms. New technologies and monetisation programs are expected to improve the country's economic status.