Abel Mutua: “YouTube Doesn’t Pay Me, But It’s My Most Valuable Asset”

Renowned Kenyan filmmaker and content creator, Abel Mutua, has revealed that despite generating significant revenue from his popular YouTube channel, “Mkurugenzi,” he doesn’t directly profit from the platform.
Mutua, known for his captivating storytelling and innovative approach to filmmaking, has amassed a substantial following on YouTube, boasting over 701,000 subscribers and an average of 150,000 views per video. His channel, which began as an experiment, has become a cornerstone of his creative enterprise, attracting millions of viewers and generating substantial income.
“Let me shock you,” Mutua stated, “the money I get from YouTube is not bad, but my staff is huge. I have a payroll of fourteen people, and the revenue from YouTube primarily goes towards paying them. I don’t take home much, but it’s enough to ensure everyone on the team is well compensated.”
Mutua emphasized that while direct YouTube earnings may be limited, the platform plays a crucial role in his overall success. “YouTube is building this ecosystem that supports my creative endeavors,” he explained. “Our recent film, ‘Makosa Ni Yangu,’ cost Sh12 million to produce. We only raised half that amount through crowdfunding, with the other half coming from this ecosystem.”
The growing viewership on his channel has attracted the attention of major brands, which now constitute Mutua’s primary source of income. “With this ecosystem in place, when companies like Absa Bank or DSTV approach me for collaborations, that’s where the real money lies,” he stated. “For me, YouTube is an invaluable tool. By investing heavily in producing high-quality content, I attract other income streams.”