Popular Kenyan Twitch streamer Sylvia “Queen Arrow” Gathoni has revealed that giant streaming platform ‘Twitch’ has suspended its monetization program in Kenya.

In a direct message addressed to the streamer, Twitch explained that recent imposed regulations (in Kenya) had restricted the platform’s ability to ‘continue offering Twitch monetization opportunities’ while also expressing their disappointment at having to reach that decision.

“After careful consideration we’ve made the difficult decision to suspend monetization in Kenya,” they said.

“Recently imposed regulations have restricted our ability to continue offering Twitch monetization opportunities to streamers in Kenya, and we will no longer be able to support the Partner and Affiliate programs in the country.”

However, Twitch notified Kenyan streamers that they could still be able to use the platform – even though they could no longer earn from it.

“We understand that this is extremely disappointing news, as many Kenyan streamers have invested a lot of energy in building and growing communities on Twitch. While you will no longer be able to monetize your Twitch channels, you will still be able to continue streaming and viewing should you choose to,” they said.

Reacting to the news, Queen Arrow, who also is the first Kenyan and East African woman signed to a pro esports team, simply said: “Welp. This is what bad governance gets us.”

Besides being a popular Twitch streamer, Queen Arrow also is a ‘Red Bull’ athlete, a law graduate and a Forbes 30 under 30 alumni.

Soon after the news reached the internet, Queen Arrow and Twitch fans took to X to share their disappointment, many blaming the government for the unfortunate turn of events.

X user Trackmann2 wrote, “Quite unfortunate. She put her heart and soul into this even before eSports went mainstream here. Such a pity 🥲.”

Someone else said, “The way Ruto credits himself for Meta monetisation yet he had nothing to do with it. But the thing he has a hand in immediately leads to worse situations.”

Claire Ndunge also reacted, saying, “Being in this country has put her at a disadvantage multiple times despite being part of international teams. she always finds a way to excel but the less this country takes esports with the seriousness it deserves, the more I worry for her career if she stays here.”

Yet another disappointed fan wrote, “It was just in April this year when Mudavadi made a promise to support esports at a public event. The fact that this is something that can happen is very disappointing. She deserves better than these old cronies with no support or respect for the esports community.”

Back in April, while speaking during the fourth season of Esports held at Charter Hall, Nairobi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, highlighted the promising future of esports in Kenya. 

He assured young people and stakeholders of the government’s continued support in promoting the sport and nurturing local talent.

“I want to assure you that there is a great future in esports, and as a government, we will do what it takes to support this and other sports,” Mudavadi said.