National Assembly’s Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has hailed as “transformative” the move by Facebook's parent company, Meta to introduce monetisation features in the country.
According to Ichung’wah, this will provide significant employment opportunities for Kenya’s creative, youthful generation as he emphasised its 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.
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 Tuesday, positions Kenya as the fifth nation in Africa 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 fruits, offering Kenyan content creators a lucrative avenue to earn from their digital endeavours.
Ichung'wah highlighted that this goes a long way in creating jobs and fostering innovation and 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.
The two, in-Stream Ads on Facebook and Facebook Ads on Reels introduced by Meta will enable creators to earn money for crafting original videos and cultivating community.
In-stream Ads can play before, during or after on-demand videos, whether it’s pre-recorded content or when publishing a recording of a previous live stream.
This milestone is more than just a financial opportunity; it represents a significant empowerment of the Kenyan youth, said the Kikuyu MP.
With the ability to monetize their content, young creators can now 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.
As content creators reap the benefits of this new era, Kenya stands poised to become Africa's leading hub for digital innovation and creativity.