By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, 30 April 2026 - A fresh debate has emerged over how global digital platforms compensate local content creators, after Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang called for an investigation into the monetisation model of X, citing concerns over earnings by Kenyan users.
Raising the matter in Parliament, Chesang questioned whether Kenyan creators are receiving fair compensation from the platform, despite growing engagement and influence online.
He warned that without proper oversight, global tech firms could continue benefiting disproportionately from local digital economies.
“We need to interrogate how much Kenyan creators are actually earning from X monetisation and whether it reflects the value they generate,” Chesang said, pushing for transparency in how revenues are calculated and distributed.
The senator further called on relevant government agencies to step in and assess whether there are regulatory gaps that may be disadvantaging Kenyan users. “There must be accountability. If these platforms are operating within our jurisdiction, then fairness must also apply to our creators,” he added.
The concerns come amid rising interest in digital content creation as a source of income, particularly among young Kenyans.
With increasing numbers of influencers, commentators and media personalities building large audiences online, monetisation programs such as those introduced by X have been seen as new economic opportunities.
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However, questions persist around access and equity. Not all creators qualify for monetisation, and even among those who do, earnings can vary widely depending on factors such as audience location, engagement levels, and advertising demand.
Industry observers say the issue reflects a broader challenge facing emerging digital economies, how to ensure that local creators benefit meaningfully from global platforms that host and profit from their content.
Kenya has in recent years positioned itself as a regional hub for digital innovation, but regulation of international tech firms remains a complex and evolving space. Calls for greater scrutiny are likely to intensify as more creators seek clarity on how revenue-sharing models work.
Chesang’s push signals a growing recognition that as digital platforms become central to livelihoods, questions of fairness, transparency and economic inclusion can no longer be ignored.
Senator Chesang Seeks Probe into X Monetisation Over Kenyan Creators’ Earnings
Senator Allan Chesang demands transparency in X monetisation for Kenyan creators