Kenyan YouTubers face 5 per cent tax on earnings in fresh move [Courtesy]
Google will begin withholding 5 per cent tax from YouTube earnings made by creators in Kenya, with the first deductions applying to September 2026 earnings paid out in October.
The company has notified creators using AdSense for YouTube accounts based in Kenya that the deduction is required under the Kenya Income Tax Act.
“Each month, Google will withhold a 5 per cent Kenyan tax on finalised YouTube earnings along with any applicable U.S. taxes,” the company said.
Creators have been directed to provide their Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) through their AdSense accounts by October 1, 2026.
