By Fridah Mbuvi | June 10, 2026
Lang’ata Member of Parliament and media personality Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has sparked debate across social media after celebrating a major milestone of one million followers on TikTok while openly admitting that he still does not know how to directly earn money from the platform.
The comedian-turned-politician shared his excitement with fans after surpassing the one-million mark and accumulating more than 11 million likes. However, amid the celebrations, Jalang’o posed a question that resonated with many content creators in Kenya: how exactly does one convert followers and millions of views into actual income?
In a lighthearted appeal to fellow creators, Jalang’o humorously asked experienced TikTok users to educate him on the monetization process, saying that despite his huge audience, he had not received any direct earnings from the platform.
His remarks have reignited conversations about the realities facing digital creators in Kenya and across East Africa, where TikTok’s Creator Rewards Program is not yet available.
Unlike creators in countries such as the United States and parts of Europe, who earn money through TikTok’s view-based payment system, Kenyan creators currently do not receive direct payouts based on views or follower counts. As a result, building a massive audience does not automatically translate into financial gains.
Instead, many content creators rely on alternative revenue streams to monetize their online influence.
Brand endorsements and corporate partnerships remain one of the largest sources of income within Kenya’s growing creator economy. Influencers and celebrities leverage their popularity to promote products and services for businesses, with top personalities earning substantial amounts through sponsored campaigns.
Live streaming has also emerged as another source of revenue. During TikTok Live sessions, fans can purchase virtual gifts using real money, which creators can later convert into cash.
Others use their TikTok popularity to attract audiences to platforms such as YouTube, where creators earn directly through advertising revenue. Many creators also offer digital marketing services, content production, event hosting and consultancy opportunities that stem from their online visibility.
Jalang’o’s question comes at a time when Kenya’s digital creator economy continues to expand rapidly, with more young people turning content creation into a full-time career. Industry reports estimate that the sector now generates more than Sh1 billion annually through advertising, sponsorship deals, affiliate marketing and other commercial ventures.
The former radio presenter, who successfully transitioned into politics after winning the Lang’ata parliamentary seat in 2022, has maintained a strong social media presence and remains one of Kenya’s most recognizable entertainers.
His humorous inquiry quickly attracted reactions from followers, with many offering advice while others joked that even with one million followers, the secret to making money online remains elusive.
Beyond the jokes, Jalang’o’s remarks highlighted a growing challenge for African creators who continue to build massive audiences without access to some of the monetization opportunities available in other regions.
As digital platforms increasingly shape careers and businesses, the conversation sparked by Jalang’o has renewed calls for greater inclusion of African markets in global creator payment programs.
“One million followers and over 11 million likes, but I still don’t know how this thing pays. Someone should teach me,” Jalang’o remarked while celebrating the milestone, prompting widespread discussion among Kenyan content creators and fans alike.
