This TikTok post claims the government, from December 21, 2023, will allegedly tax social media. According to the video, Facebook users would supposedly have to part with Ksh900, WhatsApp Ksh1,100, TikTok Ksh1,300, Telegram Ksh1,400 and Instagram Ksh1,600 every month.
Background
During campaigns for the August 9, 2022 elections, President William Ruto pledged his government would not borrow to finance projects. Since the Kenya Kwanza government ascended to power, they have implemented a barrage of taxes in an attempt to raise revenue to finance their projects. This was one of the reasons why Kenya took to the streets in a series of demonstrations that started on March 20, 2023.
Verification
To begin with, no credible local or international media platform reported the alleged new taxes.
The Kenya Revenue Authority, the agency mandated with the assessment, collection, and accounting for all revenues, did not update this information on their official Facebook page, X account, or website.
KRA, through a post on X, dismissed the contents of the video as fake on X and Facebook.
Verdict
Claims of new social media taxes as alleged are FALSE.
This fact-check was edited by Piga Firimbi Fact-Checking Editor Linda Ngari.
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