Kenyan digital content creators received promising news today as President William Ruto announced Facebook’s decision to allow monetization of content on its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, starting June 2024. The announcement came after a meeting between President Ruto, representatives from Facebook and Instagram’s parent company Meta, and a group of content creators. President Ruto expressed his satisfaction with the commitment from the social media platforms to support Kenyan creators, describing it as a significant step forward for the digital content ecosystem.

President Ruto highlighted the upcoming availability of eligibility criteria details, which will be made public in the coming weeks. He emphasized the economic benefits this development will bring, noting that it aligns with the government’s agenda to empower Kenyans to earn income and improve their livelihoods. The move is part of broader efforts to harness the potential of the digital space in creating employment opportunities for the country’s youth.

During the meeting, President Ruto urged Meta to expedite the rollout process, expressing optimism that an earlier implementation would be well-received by digital creators across Kenya. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging digital technology to drive economic growth and address unemployment challenges. With about 20,000 computers already distributed to facilitate digital jobs for over 120,000 youths, the government aims to further expand opportunities in the digital sector.

As Kenya continues to embrace the digital revolution, the announcement of Facebook’s monetization opportunity marks a significant milestone for the country’s digital content landscape. By providing a platform for content creators to monetize their talent and creativity, Facebook and Instagram are poised to play a pivotal role in empowering Kenyan youth and fostering economic prosperity.