TikTok made a compelling case in Kenya’s Parliament this week, urging lawmakers to resist calls for banning the platform in the country.
Senior officials from TikTok’s sub-Saharan Africa operations emphasized their commitment to user safety and underscored the platform’s alignment with Kenya’s creative economy agenda.
They warned that a ban would violate constitutional rights and hinder economic progress.
The petition to ban TikTok, presented by Ben Ndolo, highlighted concerns over inappropriate content, including violence and hate speech.
Despite these challenges, TikTok officials defended the platform’s positive impact and its role in promoting local talent.
Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, TikTok’s Head of Public Policy and Government Relations for sub-Saharan Africa, stressed the platform’s contribution to Kenya’s digital creative industry and its significance for national unity.
He cautioned against a ban, citing its adverse effects on freedom of expression.
Following the petition, the local tech industry opposed the ban, emphasizing its unconstitutionality.
They called for a balanced approach to address content concerns and urged TikTok to enhance moderation efforts.
MR Sibanda stated,
The digital creative industry has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the Kenyan economy. This serves not only as a source of employment but also as a catalyst for national cohesion,”
A ban on TikTok would hinder the progress of such causes, as we believe TikTok plays a key role in surfacing local Kenyan talent and exporting it to global audiences.”
Freedom of expression is a right that is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic, and open, robust debates such as those you would see online are part of the lifeblood of democracy,
Shutting down those spaces would be tantamount to silencing citizens and denying them of their Constitutional rights.”
MR Sibanda
With over a billion users worldwide, TikTok remains a significant platform for content creation and global engagement.