Dennis Itumbi to TikTok: Introduce Full Monetisation for Kenyans

Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, Dennis Itumbi, has urged TikTok to expand its operations in Kenya by introducing full monetisation features and establishing a physical office in the country.

Speaking during a TikTok Creators Forum in Nairobi, Itumbi highlighted the growing influence of the platform in Kenya, describing it as one of the largest creative hubs where thousands of young people are building careers.

He noted that while Kenyan creators contribute massively to TikTok’s global numbers, they are yet to enjoy the same benefits as counterparts in other regions.

“Kenya is one of TikTok’s biggest markets. It is time the platform sets up an office here and gives our creators direct access to monetisation,” he said.

Proposals for Creator Support

According to Itumbi, the government has already engaged TikTok in discussions about scaling up opportunities for local talent.

Among the proposals on the table is the integration of mobile money services such as M-Pesa to allow direct payouts, lowering thresholds for monetisation, and creating visibility mechanisms for content that supports national development.

He further revealed that the government is ready to support creators financially, especially those producing content around key agendas such as housing, health, agriculture, and jobs.

Creators would respond to official briefs and receive compensation for aligning with projects aimed at improving livelihoods.

“If you create content that educates people on housing, health, jobs or agriculture, the government is willing to pay. This is about using creativity to make a difference,” Itumbi told the gathering.

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A Call for Fair Revenue Sharing

The Creative Economy Bill, which was recently tabled in Parliament, forms part of the broader framework to back initiatives like this. It aims to provide a structured environment where creatives can monetise their work and access government incentives.

Itumbi also called on TikTok to adopt a fairer revenue-sharing model in Kenya. He said lowering entry barriers would ensure that even small creators can earn from their content, boosting sustainability in the digital sector.

The forum concluded with a commitment to continue dialogue between government and TikTok representatives on how to strengthen the platform’s local presence and ensure creators are adequately supported.