Sakaja clarifies Sh8,000 film charges, says not targeting ordinary content creators

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has clarified that new film and entertainment tax charges in the Nairobi City County Finance Act 2026 are not aimed at ordinary content creators, influencers or small-scale digital creators. The charges, which appear under the "Tourism Levy and Entertainment Tax" schedule, are intended for commercial film production and organized filming activities, rather than individual content creation.

Sakaja emphasized that the Act distinguishes between a content creator posting a video for social media and a large film production with a crew, equipment, multiple vehicles, and requiring the use of public spaces or roads. The Act imposes charges such as Sh8,000 per shooting for local commercial filming and Sh50,000 for external commercial filming.

It also includes a Sh40,000 annual charge for content creation studios. The Governor highlighted the County Government's recognition of the creative sector's importance for livelihoods and city promotion, stating that they will not introduce measures that stifle creativity. Sakaja reiterated that the goal is to establish a clear and fair distinction between everyday digital content creation and professional film productions requiring extensive use of public infrastructure.