Nairobi County Imposes New Levies on Content Creators and Entertainment Sector
Nairobi County introduces new annual and per-event levies on filmmakers, influencers, and streaming platforms under the 2026 Finance Act.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 24, 2026
2 min read
Nairobi City County has enacted the Finance Act, 2026, introducing a range of new levies targeting the creative and entertainment industries within the capital.
The updated legislation expands the county's revenue framework to include local filmmakers, foreign production crews, social media influencers, digital streaming services, and traditional broadcasters.
Key Charges Under the New Act
- Local filmmakers will pay KSh 8,000 per shooting session, while foreign crews face a higher fee of KSh 50,000 per shoot.
- Music video productions incur a KSh 10,000 levy per session; religious and private filming sessions are charged KSh 8,000 each.
- Content creators operating permanent studios must pay an annual fee of KSh 40,000.
- Local streaming platforms are subject to a KSh 100,000 yearly levy, with digital content hubs paying KSh 80,000 annually.
- Social media influencers hosting monetised events, including ticketed gatherings and brand launches, will pay KSh 10,000 per event.
- Traditional broadcasters also face new fees: TV stations KSh 200,000 annually, radio stations KSh 150,000, and cinemas or theatres KSh 100,000 per screen each year.
Noise Permits and Club Licensing
- Weddings in residential areas require a noise permit costing KSh 20,000; garden weddings attract a KSh 10,000 fee.
- Clubs will pay annual fees based on capacity, ranging from KSh 20,000 to KSh 100,000.
- Short-term night events must secure a KSh 100,000 permit.
Industry Response and Challenges
The new levies come amid concerns from content creators and filmmakers about potential negative impacts on Nairobi’s competitiveness as a production hub. Industry stakeholders worry that the higher fees for foreign productions and per-session charges for local creators could discourage investment and limit creative output.
Enforcement poses a challenge for county authorities, particularly in monitoring monetised influencer events and ensuring compliance from digital businesses operating within Nairobi.
