Editor's Review
Apple has expanded its iCloud+ services in Kenya to include Apple TV and Apple Arcade at no additional cost.
Apple has expanded its iCloud+ services in Kenya to include Apple TV and Apple Arcade at no additional cost.
In a statement on Thursday, September 17, ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary John Tanui said the expansion means Kenyan iCloud+ subscribers can access Apple TV for the first time, alongside more than 200 games available through Apple Arcade.
The package also includes cloud storage and secure content sharing across Apple devices.
Tanui said the development follows continued engagement between the government and Apple, including a meeting between President William Ruto and former Apple CEO Tim Cook during Ruto's visit to Silicon Valley in September 2023.
"This development builds on the engagement between President William Ruto and Apple CEO Tim Cook during the President’s visit to Silicon Valley in September 2023.
"The meeting formed part of Kenya’s sustained investment diplomacy and engagement with leading global technology companies to expand their services, investments and partnerships in our country," the statement read.
Tanui said the expansion also creates opportunities beyond entertainment, particularly for Kenyan developers and other digital creators seeking access to international markets.
He said Apple's ecosystem represents a major global marketplace, with the company reporting that its App Store ecosystem facilitated approximately US$1.3 trillion in developer billings and sales in 2024.
Through the App Store, Tanua said Kenyan software developers developing applications, games and digital services for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV can build products locally and reach customers across more than 175 countries and regions.
"This expansion therefore presents more than an entertainment opportunity. It provides a pathway for Kenyan developers, animators, filmmakers, game designers and other digital creators to develop products for a global audience, earn export revenue and create high-quality jobs," the statement added.
Tanui further pointed to Apple's growing presence in Kenya, including the establishment of Apple Authorised Training Centres aimed at equipping young people with specialised technical skills.
"It also adds to Apple’s growing engagement in Kenya, including the establishment of Apple Authorised Training Centres. The centre at Strathmore University is already operational, providing specialised iOS development training and equipping young Kenyans with globally relevant skills and certifications," the statement further read.
Tanui also highlighted the anticipated introduction of Apple Pay in Kenya, saying its entry would depend on the completion of the necessary regulatory processes.
"We also look forward to the anticipated introduction of Apple Pay in Kenya once the necessary regulatory processes are completed.
"Its entry would further expand secure contactless payments, strengthen our fintech ecosystem and create new opportunities for developers, financial institutions, merchants and consumers," the statement concluded.
Elsewhere, TikTok has notified Kenyan creators that they are required to provide their tax information as the platform moves to comply with Kenya’s tax requirements.
The notification, sent through TikTok’s system notifications, asks creators to complete a Kenya tax form as soon as possible.
TikTok says the information will be used to verify creators’ tax responsibilities and fulfil its payment obligations for payouts.
The platform’s tax information form requires creators to provide their name, email address, address and country of residence.
Creators are also required to indicate their residential status by selecting whether they are a resident of Kenya or a non-resident of Kenya.
According to the notification, the tax information will apply to payouts from TikTok for all programmes and schemes in which creators have participated, as well as any future programmes they may join.
TikTok has urged affected creators to complete the form as soon as possible to comply with Kenya’s tax requirements.
"This information allows TikTok and your local tax authorities to verify your tax responsibility and fulfill our payment obligations to you for payouts in TikTok," the platform said.
