YouTube Content Creators Slapped With 5% Mandatory Deduction

Kenyan YouTube content creators are concerned about a new 5% withholding tax that Google will apply to their earnings starting September 2026. Google notified creators that they must submit their Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) to the Kenya Revenue Authority by October 1, 2026. This move is aimed at complying with Kenyan tax laws, and some creators are criticizing the lack of government support for the growing digital creative industry.