Meta Addresses Allegations of ‘Fake’ Monetization Promises to Kenyan Content Creators
Image: A smartphone user shows the Facebook application on his phone in the central Bosnian town of Zenica, in this photo illustration, May 2, 2013. Facebook Inc's mobile advertising revenue growth gained momentum in the first three months of the year as the social network sold more ads to users on smartphones and tablets, partially offsetting higher spending which weighed on profits. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic (BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - Tags: SOCIETY SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS) - RTXZ81JMeta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp, has addressed concerns raised by Kenyan musician and content creator Michael Bundi regarding the promised rollout of the monetization program in Kenya this month.
This issue arose after President William Ruto met with Meta executives and subsequently announced on August 6, 2024, that Kenyan content creators would begin monetizing their content on Meta’s platforms. “Starting today, Kenyan content creators can monetize their videos on Meta platforms. We encourage our creatives to seize this opportunity to boost their incomes and create job opportunities for others. We will continue to pursue more opportunities for our youth to explore their talents,” the president declared.
President Ruto’s announcement was supported by Moon Baz, Meta’s Global Partnerships Lead for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey (AMET). Baz confirmed the rollout of monetization tools, including in-stream ads and ads on reels, which would enable Facebook creators in Kenya to earn money through advertisements. “This expansion will empower eligible creators in Kenya’s dynamic creative industry to earn money, while also raising the global standard for creativity and making Meta’s apps a go-to platform for creators,” Baz stated in a press release.
However, on Sunday, August 18, Bundi expressed his frustration after receiving an email from Meta indicating that the monetization program was still unavailable in Kenya. The email read, “Hi Michael, thank you for contacting us again. At the moment, you are pre-registered for ad breaks. Your country is not supported at this time but the program is expanding! You will automatically gain access if we expand to your country.”
Disappointed, Bundi shared his reaction: “Unfortunately, the in-stream ads monetization announced by William Ruto and Moon Baz has not yet taken effect in Kenya. This is the latest message I’ve received from Facebook. As a creator, I’m very disappointed. No words!”
Moon Baz acknowledged the issue and assured users that Meta was addressing it, though she did not provide a specific timeline for resolution.
