Kenyan digital content creators have tapped into the growing demand for short-form video, earning Sh45.1 million in brand collaborations during TikTok’s first full year of commercial operations in the country.
This milestone highlights the increasing influence of the platform on the local creator economy as more businesses turn to video-based marketing.
Data from TikTok shows that over 200 Kenyan creators collectively earned more than $350,000 (Sh45.1 million) in the year ending January 2026 through deals facilitated under TikTok’s business framework.
The earnings coincide with the one-year anniversary of TikTok For Business in Kenya, a system that formalised advertising services, creator management, and marketing support for brands and agencies.
In January 2025, TikTok appointed Dubai-linked digital advertising firm Aleph Holdings to manage sales and provide local support, a move aimed at strengthening connections between Kenyan advertisers and the platform.
Aleph Holdings’ role was to guide businesses through advertising processes, improve campaign performance, and ensure a smoother experience on TikTok.
The partnership also included technology marketplace Wowzi, which was tasked with managing and empowering local creators, enabling them to benefit from the platform’s growing commercial opportunities.
“Throughout the first year of the platform's presence in the country, the partnership between ‘TikTok For Business’ and Wowzi enabled more than 200 local creators to earn more than $350,000 through collaborations with local businesses,” said TikTok in a statement.
“As part of its first-year milestone, TikTok is spotlighting the early success stories across fintech, e-commerce, retail, and consumer goods, showcasing how Kenyan businesses are leveraging the platform to drive measurable impact.”
Kenya is among the most engaged TikTok markets in Africa, with surveys showing that over half of users log in daily. The app ranks third in national popularity after Facebook and WhatsApp, reaching 30.3 percent of the population by September 2025, according to the Communications Authority of Kenya.
Beyond entertainment, TikTok has become a hub for discussions on entrepreneurship, culture, and social issues, driven by Kenyan creators. In August 2025, Kenya was among the first African countries to access the TikTok for Artists feature, giving musicians access to advanced analytics tools that were previously unavailable.
