Kabogo Seeks Assurances from TikTok to Curb Misinformation Ahead of 2027 Elections

Kabogo Seeks Assurances from TikTok to Curb Misinformation Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Kenyan government has intensified efforts to address online misinformation ahead of the next general elections, with William Kabogo seeking assurances from TikTok regarding safeguards to protect the integrity of the country’s digital space.

Speaking after a meeting with TikTok leadership, Kabogo—Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy—said the government had requested clarity on how the platform intends to detect and combat misinformation and coordinated disinformation campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The discussions come amid growing concerns globally about the role of social media in influencing political discourse and the spread of misleading content during election periods.

Kabogo said the government recognises the growing influence of digital platforms but stressed that companies must take responsibility for ensuring their services are not misused.

“I sought clear assurances on TikTok’s tools to detect misinformation and prevent coordinated disinformation campaigns,” Kabogo said following the meeting.

The engagement took place ahead of the TikTok Safer Internet Summit 2026, scheduled for March 10 and 11, which is expected to bring together policymakers, technology leaders and digital safety advocates to discuss ways of strengthening online security.

Officials say the summit will focus on issues such as misinformation, digital safety, and the protection of young users across Africa’s rapidly expanding online communities.

The meeting also comes just weeks after the National Assembly of Kenya rejected a proposal to ban TikTok in the country. The decision followed deliberations by the Public Petitions Committee, which concluded that an outright ban could have far-reaching economic consequences.

Lawmakers noted that the platform has become a key component of Kenya’s digital economy, particularly for young creators, entrepreneurs and content producers who rely on it for income.

Kenya currently has more than 17 million TikTok users, making it one of the platform’s largest markets in Africa and a significant driver of the country’s growing creative sector.

Despite recognising the platform’s economic value, Kabogo emphasised that technology companies operating in Kenya must comply with national laws and regulatory frameworks.

Among the key requirements highlighted by the government is adherence to the Data Protection Act, which governs how personal data is collected, processed and stored.

The Cabinet Secretary said the government is working with TikTok to strengthen content moderation systems and introduce stricter age-verification measures designed to protect minors and vulnerable users.

“I emphasised that while we welcome innovation, digital safety is a shared responsibility. We are strengthening content moderation and age verification to protect our children and vulnerable groups,” Kabogo stated.

Authorities say such measures are particularly important as Kenya prepares for future electoral cycles, where misinformation and manipulated content have the potential to influence public opinion and undermine democratic processes.

Kabogo further urged TikTok to expand its operational footprint in Kenya, including increasing investment in content moderation resources capable of handling local languages and cultural contexts.

Experts say moderating content in African languages remains one of the biggest challenges for global technology platforms operating across the continent.

The government believes stronger collaboration between regulators and technology companies will help create a digital ecosystem built on trust, accountability and innovation.

According to Kabogo, such partnerships are essential as Kenya continues positioning itself as a regional hub for digital innovation and online entrepreneurship.

“Enhanced collaboration between the government and global technology companies will help us build a digital ecosystem anchored in innovation, trust and safety,” he added.

While the government has ruled out an immediate ban on TikTok, officials say discussions around regulation and online accountability are likely to continue as authorities work to balance economic opportunities created by digital platforms with the need to protect the public from harmful online content.

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Kabogo Seeks Assurances from TikTok to Curb Misinformation Ahead of 2027 Elections