Kenya’s digital trailblazers stole the show at the International Creator Day and Click Awards 2026, as industry leaders called for stronger support systems to accelerate monetisation and growth in the creator economy.
The event, held at the University of Nairobi, brought together established and emerging creators who are transforming digital influence into scalable, revenue-generating enterprises. Organised by technology company Teki, this year’s event was themed “Building Scalable Creator Enterprises in a Regulated Digital Economy.”
The highlight of the day was the prestigious Click Awards Gala, which recognised standout creator-entrepreneurs alongside organisations powering Kenya’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem.
Teki CEO and Click Awards Director, Mr Martin Muli, said this year’s winners reflect the growing sophistication and commercial impact of Kenya’s creator economy. “The winners reflect the diversity, innovation, and influence shaping Kenya’s digital landscape from content creators and influencer-led brands to digital entrepreneurs and the ecosystem players enabling their growth,” said Mr Muli. “A Click Award is more than recognition. It validates creators and brands that are successfully turning influence into thriving enterprises and meaningful economic impact.”
> EABL Majority Acquisition by Asahi Gets regulators’ Approval
Mr Muli noted that creators are doing far more than generating online engagement. “They are building brands, producing original content, monetising communities, securing strategic partnerships, and creating businesses that generate jobs and economic value,” he said.
The rapid rise of the creator economy has increased demand for stronger ecosystem support structures. “We are seeing platforms, fintechs, agencies, brands, and technology providers building the rails creators need to scale sustainably. Ecosystem builders are just as important as the creators themselves.”
Telecommunications giant Safaricom sponsored the day-long event, which also featured conferences, workshops, networking sessions, and exhibitions focused on digital innovation and monetisation. The partnership between Teki and Safaricom underscores growing corporate confidence in Kenya’s creator economy and the increasing commercial relevance of digital creators as entrepreneurs, marketers, and business builders.
Speaking during the event, Safaricom representative Susan Muturi urged creators to focus on originality and authenticity in order to stand out and attract meaningful brand partnerships. “Let’s do things differently and understand brand interests so we can position ourselves effectively and earn sustainably in this fast-growing industry,” she said.
Ms Muturi highlighted Safaricom’s Baze platform as a key monetisation tool designed to empower creators by enabling them to upload and distribute music, videos, podcasts, and educational content directly to Safaricom’s more than 58 million customers. The platform is also expected to introduce enhanced monetisation features, opening up more revenue opportunities for creators across different content categories.
Among the personalities and brands recognised during the awards were comedian and activist Eric Omondi for his social impact initiative Sisi Kwa Sisi, Eddie Butita (SPM Buzz), Mercy Kyallo (Yallo Leather), Lucia Musau, and Dr. Joseph Njagi. Leading brands honoured included Safaricom, Tecno Mobile, NCBA Bank, Canon, Netflix, Jubilee Insurance, Jumia Kenya, Twiva, and the United States Embassy in Kenya.
> Kenya Airways, Rubis Sign Deal to Set Up Aviation Fuel Refinery
Leave a comment