Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has moved to clarify new charges introduced by the Nairobi County Government after content creators and filmmakers raised concerns over the fees.
The charges are contained in the Nairobi City County Finance Act, 2026, and cover different activities in the film, entertainment and digital content industry.
There had been concern among content creators that they would be required to pay fees every time they filmed content in Nairobi. Some creators feared that the new charges would make it harder for young people to earn a living through digital content.
Sakaja has now said the charges were not meant to target ordinary content creators, influencers or young people making social media videos. He explained that the county’s main target is professional and commercial film productions that make significant use of public spaces and infrastructure.
The governor said there is an important difference between an individual recording a simple social media video and a large production involving a big crew, specialised equipment and several vehicles.
According to Sakaja, some major productions may require roads or other public spaces to be temporarily closed or controlled. Such activities can affect the movement of other Nairobi residents and therefore require proper regulation.
The clarification comes after the county announced charges including KSh8,000 for local commercial filming and KSh50,000 for external commercial filming. Music-video production was also listed at KSh10,000 per shoot.
The Finance Act also includes an annual fee for permanent content-creation studios.
Sakaja’s explanation is expected to provide some relief to small content creators who feared they would be forced to pay large amounts simply for producing ordinary online videos.
The creative industry has grown rapidly in Kenya, with many young people using platforms such as social media to build careers, promote businesses and earn income.
The governor said Nairobi County wants to support this industry while ensuring that large commercial productions using public facilities are properly regulated.
The latest clarification therefore appears aimed at reducing confusion over who will be affected by the new charges.
For ordinary creators producing simple digital content, the county says the new rules should not be interpreted as a blanket fee on everyday social media activity.
The focus, according to the governor, is on organised commercial productions that require significant use of public spaces and county infrastructure.