Nairobi County Imposes New Fees on Filmmakers and Digital Content Creators

Nairobi County has rolled out new fees targeting a broad spectrum of the digital entertainment sector as part of the 2026 Finance Act. These charges affect filmmakers, content creators, influencers, streaming services, and other digital entertainment stakeholders operating within the city.

Breakdown of New Charges

• Local commercial film productions: Ksh 8,000 per shooting session
• External commercial productions: Ksh 50,000 per shooting session
• Religious and private filming: Ksh 8,000 per session
• Music video productions: Ksh 10,000 per production
• Content creators with studios: Ksh 40,000 annually
• Local streaming platforms: Ksh 100,000 annually
• Digital content platforms: Ksh 80,000 annually
• Influencers hosting monetised events: Ksh 10,000 per event
• Television stations: Ksh 200,000 annually
• Radio stations: Ksh 150,000 annually
• Cinemas and theatres: Ksh 100,000 annually per screen
• Online entertainment events: Ksh 15,000 per event

The fees introduce a per-session cost for filming, meaning producers with multiple shoots could face substantial cumulative expenses. The distinction between local and external productions is notable, with external filmmakers paying over six times more per session than local producers.

Implications for the Creative Industry

While the fees aim to integrate Nairobi's expanding digital entertainment economy into the county's revenue framework, they raise concerns about the financial burden on independent and low-budget creators. The inclusion of influencers and digital platforms reflects recognition of the growing creator economy, where monetised events and online content generate significant income.

These measures place Nairobi at the forefront of ongoing discussions on how local governments should regulate and benefit from Kenya's evolving digital economy. However, questions remain about enforcement mechanisms and how the county will differentiate various forms of filming and monetised activities.