25/08/2026
Nairobi County has introduced mandatory licensing fees for filmmakers, influencers and digital entertainment businesses under the 2026 Finance Act, expanding its municipal tax framework to cover the growing creator economy.
The law, published on August 23, requires local commercial film crews to pay KSh8,000 ($62) per shooting session, while international production teams will pay KSh50,000. Music video producers will be charged KSh10,000 per project, while static content production hubs will pay KSh40,000 annually.
Organisers of monetised or ticketed influencer events will require permits costing KSh10,000 per event. Domestic streaming platforms and local digital content hubs will face annual levies of KSh100,000 and KSh80,000, respectively. Television stations will pay KSh200,000 annually, while radio stations will be charged KSh150,000.
The measures, introduced under Governor Johnson Sakaja's administration, reverse a 2022 policy that waived fees for freelance photographers and filmmakers operating within Nairobi's Central Business District.
County officials say formalising the rapidly growing creative sector will create a predictable revenue stream for municipal services. However, creator associations have raised concerns that the new charges could squeeze the margins of independent digital businesses.
Under the enforcement guidelines, officers may impose fines or confiscate production equipment for non-compliance.
Nikunoma wazee sasa.
