The Kenyan government is turning to influencers to spread the word about its programs, with a promise of direct financial support for those who create content around key sectors.
Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Executive Office of the President, Dennis Itumbi, announced the plan during a meeting with content creators in Nairobi on Wednesday.
He said the government is keen to work with digital creators who focus on areas such as agriculture, housing, health, and job creation. According to Itumbi, proposals from influencers will be reviewed and successful ones will attract funding.
“The government is willing to put money specifically for a few things that the government is doing, and you can benefit directly. If you create content around housing, health, job creation, and agriculture, we are willing to put money into it for you,” Itumbi said.
The strategy reflects a shift from traditional advertising to digital platforms where most Kenyans now consume information.
Itumbi explained that the government has revamped its communication to match online habits, saying creators will be supported with both funding and content notes.
“We will give you money and notes to create content and earn money by just putting it on TikTok. As the government, we have improved our advertisement from manual to digital ads where many audiences want to be informed,” he added.
The initiative is being seen as part of a broader Kenya Kwanza plan to modernize communication and boost awareness of government services. Analysts argue that involving influencers could expand reach, especially among younger audiences.
Content creators are encouraged to submit proposals through the Creative Economy Office. Successful applicants will receive financial backing and resources to produce engaging campaigns that showcase government programs in a relatable way.
