Nairobi — The National Assembly is considering a petition seeking tighter regulation of TikTok in Kenya, with Members of Parliament backing firm oversight measures aimed at protecting users especially minors while preserving the platform's economic and social benefits.
In its report on a Petition on the Regulation of TikTok in Kenya, the Public Petitions Committee ruled out an outright ban, warning that such a move would infringe on fundamental rights and undermine opportunities in the digital economy.
Instead, the Committee proposed robust regulation, enhanced compliance monitoring, and clearer accountability for social media platforms operating in the country.
"The total ban of TikTok is not tenable given the employment opportunities it offers to the young people which creates a source of income " said Runyejes MP Karumba Muchangi, who chairs the Public Petitions Committee.
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The committee chair noted that social media platforms have become vital tools for communication, creativity, and youth entrepreneurship.
Seconding the motion, Ruaraka MP Otieno Kajwang' welcomed the shift in focus from prohibition to oversight.
"I am glad we are not moving in the direction of banning TikTok; we are moving in the direction of content regulation to safeguard minors," he said.
Lawmakers emphasised the need for stronger age verification mechanisms, safeguards against explicit and harmful content, and improved content moderation systems that reflect Kenyan values and languages.
They also called for monetisation frameworks that would allow Kenyan creators to earn directly from their content on TikTok and other platforms.
Minority Whip Mille Odhiambo highlighted both the risks and opportunities associated with the platform stressing the need to shield minors from exploitation and inappropriate material.
"Some of the good things we have from TikTok is our youth are able to socialise, gain employment, and engage civically," she said.
The Committee urged the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy to collaborate on strengthening user protection and cybersecurity measures.
The two ministries are expected to report back to the House within four months on proposals covering age verification, data localisation, and digital literacy programmes focused on privacy and responsible use.
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Additionally, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner has been directed to engage social media platforms to assess compliance with the Data Protection Act (Cap. 411C) and ensure that user data is processed in accordance with Kenyan law.
The Committee further recommended amendments to the Kenya Information and Communications Act (Cap. 411A) to empower the Communications Authority of Kenya to regulate social media platforms more effectively. It also proposed that the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy oversee platform content moderation systems, including ensuring adequate human moderators and psychosocial support structures.
