Kenya Roundup: Funding for content creators, digital taxes widen, Israeli climate lab

Ruto offers Ksh10 million (US$77,400) to content creators

President William Ruto has announced a Ksh10 million (approx. US$77,400) funding offer for Kenyan content creators producing films and art around affordable housing and health. Speaking at the 14th Kalasha International Film and TV Market Festival and Awards at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Ruto said the government was ready to support creatives whose work tells stories linked to national priorities. “I am making an offer. Those who want to pursue film and art in this space of affordable housing, I am asking my friends from the Kenya Film Commission to include those categories. I am going to make an offer of Ksh10 million each in affordable housing and in health,” he said. Ruto also directed that 30 percent of all government advertising be channelled through creative platforms, saying the move would support young talent in digital creation, film and music. “I can confirm that the government has the resources to support and partner with creatives who tell our stories,” he said, at an event that drew more than 3,000 delegates, 100 exhibitors and representatives from over 30 countries.

Finance Bill targets crypto and digital platforms

Kenya’s Finance Bill 2026 has proposed major changes to the taxation of the digital economy, with new rules targeting virtual assets, online platforms and electronic transactions. The Bill seeks to bring cryptocurrencies, digital tokens and virtual asset service providers more firmly under the Kenya Revenue Authority’s reporting framework. Exchanges and trading platforms will be required to file annual information returns detailing users, transactions and controlling interests. The proposals also introduce tougher penalties for non-compliance, including fines of up to Ksh100,000 (approx. US$774) per false statement or imprisonment of up to three years, while failure to file returns may attract penalties of up to Ksh1 million (around US$7,740). “The Tax Procedures Act is amended by inserting new sections after section 6B, requiring a virtual asset service provider to file an information return if it facilitates exchange transactions, provides a trading platform on behalf of a customer, or acts as a counterparty or intermediary in such transactions,” the proposals read.

Ruto to address Tanzanian parliament in historic visit

President William Ruto is expected to address Tanzania’s parliament in Dodoma on May 5, 2026, in what officials have described as a historic moment for Kenya-Tanzania relations. Tanzania’s Deputy Speaker Daniel Sillo said the address, scheduled for 11am, would be attended by top national leaders and would focus on strengthening cooperation between the two neighbours. “We wish to inform you that on Tuesday, 5th May 2026, Hon Pr William Ruto, the President of Kenya, will address the Parliament here in Dodoma,” Sillo said. “This very important and historical event, which will also be attended by our top leaders, is aimed at strengthening cooperation and brotherhood between Tanzania and Kenya.” It will be the first time a Kenyan president addresses the Tanzanian parliament.

Israel deploys mobile climate lab in Kenya

Israel has deployed a mobile climate laboratory in Kenya to help close Africa’s climate data gap and strengthen evidence-based policymaking. The facility, stationed in Machakos County after two months of operation in the country, is hosted at the International Livestock Research Institute’s Kapiti site and is designed to measure climate-related conditions across different ecosystems. Israel’s Ambassador to Kenya, Gideon Behar, said the lab would support better preparation for climate change. “We must remember that there is a huge gap in climate data and climate knowledge in Africa, and the work of this laboratory helps us close this gap,” he said. “It enables us to be better prepared for climate change and to make better policy decisions based on real and accurate science.” Behar described it as “the first-ever climate mobile lab not only in Africa but possibly in the world,” adding that its scientific work would support the global fight against climate change.  

Kenya pushes local mineral processing

Kenya is moving to retain more value from its mineral resources by shifting from raw mineral exports to local processing, refining and manufacturing. Speaking at the 2026 Mining Investment Conference in Nairobi, President Ruto said the country’s strategy is to build integrated industrial value chains around minerals such as gold, titanium, rare earths, gemstones, iron ore, copper, manganese and chromite. “We will process our minerals here on the continent, we will refine them here, we will manufacture them here,” Ruto said. He pointed to the iron ore pelletisation plant in Taita Taveta, now in its final stages of construction, as a key step in Kenya’s industrialisation agenda. The push reflects a wider African effort to stop exporting raw materials while importing finished products made from the same resources.