Wetang’ula Dismisses TikTok Ban Claims, Says Parliament Focused on Regulation and Child Protection
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has dismissed claims circulating on social media that Parliament intends to ban TikTok in Kenya, clarifying that lawmakers are instead focused on regulation and child protection.
Addressing concerns over a motion currently before the House, Wetang’ula emphasised that the proposed measures seek structured oversight of digital platforms rather than an outright prohibition.
“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.
Debate on regulation and safety
The debate follows concerns raised by various stakeholders, including representatives of the Catholic bishops, who have recommended measures to ensure the platform is not used to promote pornography, sexual offences, or other harmful activities that could negatively influence young users.
Wetang’ula said Parliament has both a legal and moral obligation to safeguard children, families, and the wider public from content that may encourage moral or social harm.
“As leaders, we have a responsibility to protect minors and ensure that digital spaces do not become avenues for exploitation or exposure to harmful material,” he added.
Lawmakers supporting the motion argue that the rapid growth of social media platforms has outpaced regulatory frameworks, creating gaps that can be exploited for inappropriate or illegal content distribution.
Call for structured oversight
Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi pointed out that several countries, particularly in Europe, have introduced regulatory measures governing social media platforms to safeguard minors, uphold data protection standards, and oversee online content moderation.
She urged the Communications Authority of Kenya to require major social media operators to register formally and ensure compliance with Kenyan regulations.
“It can be used very well to do very many good things for the country. But at the same time, it cannot be an advertisement platform where at night, I put it on and decide now it is my time to do all the pornography that I would want and yet you know very well tomorrow that same space any person can still find it,” Elachi stated during debate.
She maintained that structured oversight is essential to prevent challenges arising from unregulated online content, adding that the objective is not to shut down platforms but to make them safer for both adults and minors.
“The goal is to make TikTok safe and appropriate for everyone, especially our children, while still allowing its positive and creative uses,” she said.
Case study raises concerns
Elachi also referenced a recent incident involving a Russian national who reportedly recorded explicit content in Kenya that later circulated on TikTok. She described the case as an example of regulatory loopholes that require urgent attention.
“That incident exposed weaknesses in our oversight systems. We must close those gaps to protect the integrity of our digital space,” she argued.
Misinformation addressed
Wetang’ula’s clarification comes amid widespread online claims suggesting that the government is preparing to ban TikTok entirely. The Speaker reiterated that such assertions are inaccurate.
“There is no proposal before this House to ban TikTok. Our focus is responsible use, accountability, and child protection,” he affirmed.
Kenya has witnessed a surge in TikTok usage, particularly among young people, with the platform serving as a space for entertainment, entrepreneurship, and social engagement. However, policymakers say the same digital reach necessitates safeguards to balance innovation with public safety.
As debate continues, Parliament is expected to consider recommendations that strengthen oversight while preserving freedom of expression and digital economic opportunities.
ALSO READ: Kimani Ichung’wah Lists Kenyan Agencies Involved in Russian-Ukraine Recruitment
Wetang’ula Dismisses TikTok Ban Claims, Says Parliament Focused on Regulation and Child Protection
