As the digital landscape in Kenya continues to grow, more businesses are relying on social media managers—whether freelancers or agencies—to handle their online presence. From small startups and SMEs to corporates and NGOs, the demand for professional social media management has never been higher.

But here’s the challenge: many freelancers and agencies take up projects without a formal contract. This often leads to disputes, unpaid invoices, unclear deliverables, and misunderstandings about ownership of content. The best way to protect both the client and the service provider is through a well-drafted Social Media Management Contract.

In this blog, we’ll walk through why you need a contract, what it should include, and share a ready-to-use sample contract tailored for the Kenyan market.

Why You Need a Social Media Management Contract

1. Clarity on Scope of Work – Defines exactly what services are included and excluded.
2. Payment Protection – Ensures you get paid on time, with terms around late payments.
3. Legal Protection – Covers liability issues like platform outages or account restrictions.
4. Intellectual Property Rights – Clearly states who owns the content created.
5. Dispute Resolution – Provides a roadmap for resolving conflicts without messy battles.

Key Elements of a Social Media Management Contract

A strong contract should include:

• Parties involved (client and service provider)
• Scope of services (content creation, posting, ads management, reporting, etc.)
• Exclusions (like photography, video production, influencer costs)
• Payment terms (currency, methods, late payment rules)
• Reporting (monthly reports without guaranteed results)
• Duration & termination (how long the contract lasts and notice periods)
• Intellectual property ownership
• Confidentiality & non-disclosure
• Liability limits
• Dispute resolution steps
• Non-solicitation & subcontracting terms
• Scope creep and add-ons

Sample Social Media Management Contract (Kenya)

Below is a sample contract you can copy, adapt, and use for your freelance or agency business in Kenya:

Social Media Management Agreement (Kenyan Market)

This Social Media Management Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into by and between the undersigned client (the “Client”) and the undersigned service provider, being either an individual freelancer or a registered agency (the “Service Provider”). Together, the Client and the Service Provider shall be referred to as the “Parties.”

1. Scope of Services
The Service Provider agrees to provide social media management services, which may include but are not limited to: social media strategy development, content creation, scheduling, community management, ads management, and monthly reporting.
Exclusions: photography, videography, influencer fees, customer service responses, and third-party costs.

2. Payment Terms
All fees payable in Kenya Shillings (KES) via M-Pesa, bank transfer, or PayPal. Payments on a monthly retainer basis, in advance. Services may be suspended if payment is delayed. All fees are non-refundable once work begins.

3. Reporting
Monthly performance reports provided. No guarantees on results such as engagement, leads, or sales.

4. Term & Termination
Initial term: 3 months, automatically renewable. Either party may terminate with 14 days’ written notice. No refunds for prepaid fees.

5. Intellectual Property
All content created belongs to the Client upon full payment. Service Provider may showcase non-confidential work in portfolio.

6. Confidentiality
The Service Provider shall not disclose Client’s information without consent.

7. Liability & Limitations
Service Provider is not liable for platform issues, bans caused by Client actions, or force majeure. Liability is limited to three months’ fees.

8. Dispute Resolution
Disputes resolved first through negotiation, then mediation, then arbitration, and finally Kenyan courts if unresolved.

9. Subcontracting & Non-Solicitation
Subcontracting allowed with Client approval. Client may not hire subcontractors or Service Provider’s team for 12 months post-contract.

10. Additional Provisions
Extra tasks outside scope = extra fees. Service Provider may use Client’s logo/brand for portfolio unless prohibited in writing.

Signatures:
Client: ____________________________ Date: ____________
Service Provider: ____________________________ Date: ____________

Final Thoughts on Social Media Management Contract

Contracts are not just for big corporates—they are essential tools for freelancers and agencies as well. This contract protects you, sets expectations, and helps you build more professional relationships with your clients. At Socialmediawithgrav, we always ensure we enter into a contract with our clients before we start work.

👉 Feel free to adapt this template for your own business. If you’d like a customized contract tailored to your business model, consider consulting a lawyer or digital marketing expert.