National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has praised Facebook's parent company, Meta, for introducing monetization features in the country, calling the move "transformative."
Ichung’wah highlighted that this development will provide significant employment opportunities for Kenya’s creative and youthful generation, emphasizing its positive impact on the local content creation industry.
"This initiative will revolutionize content creation in the country while creating numerous job opportunities for the youth," he said.
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Ichung’wah dubbed this new phase the "Finya Computer Pata Dollar" era, a phrase associated with President William Ruto's push for digital jobs for the youth.
“The President has been a vocal advocate for leveraging ICT hubs to create employment opportunities, encouraging the youth to harness the power of digital platforms,” he stated.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, positions Kenya as the fifth African nation to monetize Facebook, joining South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Ruto's campaign to bring Facebook monetization to Kenya began in 2023 as part of a broader initiative to create job opportunities for the youth who actively produce and consume online content. His persistent efforts have now borne fruit, providing Kenyan content creators with a lucrative avenue to earn from their digital endeavors.
Ichung’wah emphasized that this development will significantly contribute to job creation, foster innovation, and nurture entrepreneurial spirit among the youth.
To qualify for earning money from Facebook, content creators must meet specific criteria: they must be 18 years or older and have at least 5,000 followers. Additionally, the content shared must be original, ensuring creators are rewarded for their unique contributions.
Meta has introduced two monetization features: In-Stream Ads on Facebook and Facebook Ads on Reels. These features enable creators to earn money for crafting original videos and cultivating their communities. In-Stream Ads can play before, during, or after on-demand videos, whether it's pre-recorded content or a recording of a previous live stream.
Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah highlighted that this milestone is more than just a financial opportunity; it represents significant empowerment for Kenyan youth. With the ability to monetize their content, young creators can turn their passion into a profession, contributing to the nation's economy while expressing their creativity.
Kenya's inclusion in the list of African nations monetizing Facebook underscores the country's growing influence in the digital space. By providing a platform for content creators to earn, Meta is recognizing the potential of Kenya's vibrant and dynamic digital community.
“It reflects the government's commitment to creating job opportunities and supporting the youth in harnessing the power of digital technology,” the MP remarked.
