Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has denied claims that the Parliament intends to ban TikTok in Kenya.
According to the speaker, the motion before the National Assembly is focused on regulation and protecting minor.
”The motion before Parliament is not about banning TikTok. It is about regulating content and addressing reckless use while preserving the platform’s positive functions,” Wetang’ula stated.
The debate followed concerns raised by various stakeholders, including the Catholic bishops, who recommended measures to ensure TikTok is not used for pornography, sexual offences, or other harmful activities that could affect young users.
Wetangula emphasised that Parliament had a legal and moral responsibility to safeguard children, families, and the broader public from content that could encourage moral or social harm.
Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi also pointed out that several countries, particularly in Europe, have put in place regulations governing social media platforms to safeguard minors, uphold data protection standards, and oversee online content.
She also stated that the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) should register major social media operators and ensure compliance with regulations.
She further said structured oversight was essential to prevent challenges arising from unregulated content online.
