Content creator Timothy Kimani alias Njugush has differed with the popular belief that content creators make a lot of money.
He said it was unfair to have such a narrative without acknowledging that some content creators were also experiencing financial difficulties.
In an interview on Hot 96 on Monday, Njugush weighed in on the remarks by President William Ruto that he and fellow creative Eddie Butita earn more than the head of State.
"When the President said me and Butita earn more than him, I knew there was a problem. There is a narrative that is sold that content creators make so much money. However, for me, I feel that is unfair," he said.
In his address on June 2 during the Kenya National Drama Festival held at State House, Nairobi, Ruto commended the two rib crackers and online content creators saying they are great artists worthy to be emulated.
"These are our great artists who today are monetising their content. Pongezi sana (congratulations) gentlemen. Those two young men you see there, they are making more money than my salary," he said.
While commenting on the proposed 15 per cent tax on content creators' income under the Finance Bill, 2023, Njugush said there is need for proper structures to be put in place before such measures can be enforced.
He pointed out that the term 'content creator' hasn't, for instance, been properly defined to determine who fits that description.
Njugush said people from other professions like doctors are marketing their clinics on social media but their actual income does not come from the online content.
"We have doctors who are doing content on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram who are doing content for their clinics. Let's say today we are going to tackle cholesterol, if you want to know more, come to my clinic. Is that content creation? They do not earn from Instagram," he said.
Njugush also wondered if content creators who are minors will be subjected to the proposed 15 per cent tax on digital content monetisation.
The digital and stand-up comedian further faulted Lang'ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwour, alias Jalang'o, for heaping the blame on content creators over the proposed tax on their income.
Njugush said the MP, who previously also created online content, should have been made aware that there are creators who are struggling financially.
"I saw Jalang'o say a lot of us are posting cars. But at the same time, he didn't mention some us of are posting bills maisha imewaendea mrama (life has become difficult)," he said.
While airing his remarks in an online video, Jalang'o alleged that content creators seemingly attracted the attention of the taxman by posting content on social media depicting themselves living lavishly.
"How do I convince the government or the people who do not understand content creation that content creators don't have money and you are not able to pay the 15 per cent tax when what you show out there is that you are millionaires?" Jalang'o posed.
