The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Kenyan YouTube creators with AdSense for YouTube accounts registered in Kenya have until October 1, 2026, to submit a valid Kenyan Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Google says it will begin deducting a 5 per cent Kenyan withholding tax from finalised YouTube earnings, in addition to any applicable US taxes. Creators who fail to provide a verified PIN by the deadline risk having their payments suspended.
“Under the Kenya Income Tax Act, Google is required to withhold taxes on YouTube earnings paid to AdSense for YouTube accounts based in Kenya,” the company said.
The new tax deduction will initially affect September 2026 earnings paid in October 2026. Creators are therefore required to submit their Kenyan PIN through their AdSense for YouTube accounts before the October 1 deadline.
Google warned that creators who miss the deadline may continue earning money, but their payments could be placed on hold until a verified PIN is submitted.
Creators can provide the required information through their AdSense for YouTube payment profiles by accessing the Kenya tax information section and entering their 11-character Kenyan PIN.
Google said the submitted tax information may take three to five working days to review and approve. Creators will receive an automated email informing them whether their tax details have been accepted.
The company will also be required to share tax-related information with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) every month. This will include the gross payments subject to Kenyan withholding tax, the amount deducted, the creator’s PIN and address.
The new requirement means Kenyan tax information will become an important part of the payment process for affected YouTube creators. The first 5 per cent deduction is expected to be made from September earnings paid out in October.
