The Kenyan government is intensifying its regulatory efforts targeting TikTok by requiring the popular video-sharing platform to submit detailed compliance reports on a quarterly basis. This step is part of a broader initiative to curb the adverse impacts of TikTok’s operations within the country rather than imposing a ban.
The Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) has briefed legislators about this tactical approach to tackle various concerns linked to social media usage, such as the mental well-being of users, personal data protection, the spread of false information, the safety of children online, and the safeguarding of data security.
Back in March 2024, concerns about the sensitive data and overall security of Kenyan citizens prompted the Interior Ministry to contemplate restrictions on TikTok usage by government personnel. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki disclosed at the time that the National Security Council (NSC) was actively confronting challenges posed by social media platforms, including TikTok.
As part of the new regulations, ICT Principal Secretary John Tanui communicated to the lawmaking body that TikTok would be obligated to generate quarterly reports for the ministry that transparently detail content that has been taken down and the justifications for those actions. This measure is aimed at simplifying the process of community reporting.
Highlighting the rationale for regulating instead of banning TikTok, Tanui pointed out that a prohibition would be counterproductive, given that a considerable number of Kenyan youths and entrepreneurs are dependent on TikTok as a source of income, leveraging the platform for content creation and business marketing.
Statistics from a 2023 report indicate that Kenya tops the global charts in TikTok utilization, with 54% of the population engaged with the app for various uses, and around 29% employing it to access news content.
In the meantime, TikTok itself has been proactive in addressing the outlined challenges. Representatives from the platform appeared before the Kenyan Parliament on April 16, 2024, to reaffirm their commitment to conducting continuous training workshops aimed at enhancing knowledge and practices around online safety, data privacy, and content moderation among Kenyan policymakers and regulatory entities.
Furthermore, TikTok has forged a partnership with the African Union Commission’s Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate (WGYD) to promote awareness of online safety considerations among African youths and their guardians.
Notably, the social media giant has faced prohibitions in multiple African countries including Senegal and Somalia, and beyond the continent in nations such as Canada, Afghanistan, the United States, and India.
