Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has addressed concerns surrounding new charges imposed on filmmakers, content creators and other players in the city’s creative industry under the Nairobi City County Finance Act, 2026.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The charges have sparked debate among content creators and digital entertainment players, with concerns emerging over the potential cost of producing and commercialising content in Nairobi.

The new fees, which were highlighted in the 2026 Finance Act on Monday, cover a range of filming and digital entertainment activities, including commercial productions, content creation studios, streaming platforms and monetised events.

Sakaja has now sought to clarify the county’s position, saying the charges were not designed with ordinary digital creators in mind.

📌 What You Need to Know

“These charges were never intended to target ordinary content creators, influencers or young people creating digital content. We intend to regulate professional and commercial film productions that require significant use of public spaces and infrastructure,” Sakaja said.

Under the 2026 Finance Act, local producers will pay Ksh8,000 per commercial filming session, while external commercial filming will attract Ksh50,000 per shooting. Religious and private filming will cost Ksh8,000, while music-video production will attract Ksh10,000.

Further, the Act also provides for an annual Ksh40,000 charge for content creation studios, while local streaming platforms will pay Ksh100,000 and digital content platforms Ksh80,000 annually. Influencers holding monetised events will also pay Ksh10,000 per event.

Sakaja said the county distinguishes between an individual creating ordinary social media content and a large commercial production involving crews, specialised equipment, multiple vehicles and extensive occupation of public spaces.

“There is a clear difference between a content creator shooting a video for social media and a large film production arriving with a crew, equipment, vehicles and requiring the temporary closure or controlled use of a road. That is who we are targeting,” he said.

He further stated that his administration recognises the creative sector as an important source of livelihoods, particularly for young people, as well as a platform for showcasing and marketing Nairobi to local and international audiences.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke