National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has dismissed widespread claims that Parliament is planning to ban TikTok in Kenya.
He made it clear that the motion currently before the House is not about shutting down the platform, but about introducing proper regulations to control harmful content and protect young users.
According to Wetang’ula, the main goal of the motion is to ensure responsible use of TikTok while still allowing Kenyans to benefit from the positive aspects of the platform.
He stressed that lawmakers understand the important role social media plays in communication, business, entertainment, and creativity.
However, he noted that there must be safeguards in place to prevent misuse. “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,” he stated firmly.
The debate has been fueled by concerns from different stakeholders across the country. Among those who raised alarm are Catholic bishops, who called for strict measures to prevent TikTok from being used to spread pornography, promote sexual offences, or expose minors to harmful content.
Religious leaders and parents have expressed worry that without strong regulation, young people could easily access inappropriate material that may negatively influence their behavior and moral development.
Wetang’ula emphasized that Parliament has both a legal and moral duty to protect children, families, and society at large from content that could lead to moral decay or social harm.
He said lawmakers cannot ignore the risks associated with unregulated digital platforms, especially at a time when many young people spend long hours online. He added that protecting children from harmful online exposure must remain a national priority.
Beatrice Elachi, the Member of Parliament for Dagoretti North, also contributed strongly to the debate. She pointed out that several countries, particularly in Europe, have already introduced strict regulations to manage social media platforms.
According to her, these countries have established laws to safeguard minors, protect personal data, and monitor online content to ensure platforms operate responsibly.
Elachi further proposed that the Communications Authority of Kenya should formally register major social media companies operating in the country. She said this would make it easier for the government to enforce compliance with national laws and standards.
In her view, structured oversight is necessary to prevent challenges that arise from unchecked online content, including exploitation, misinformation, and explicit material.
She acknowledged that TikTok can be a powerful tool for positive change. The platform supports digital marketing, job creation, talent promotion, and public awareness campaigns. Many young Kenyans use it to showcase their creativity, grow businesses, and earn income.
However, she warned that the same platform can be misused if there are no clear guidelines. She expressed concern about users posting explicit content at night, only for the same content to remain accessible to a wide audience, including children, the following day.
Elachi stressed that the intention of the motion is not to shut down TikTok, but to make it safe and suitable for both adults and minors. She said the country must find a balance between digital freedom and responsible usage.
In her view, regulation is not meant to punish users, but to protect the public and ensure online spaces remain respectful and secure.
To illustrate the gaps in the current regulatory framework, she referred to a recent incident involving a Russian national who visited Kenya and allegedly recorded explicit content that was later shared on TikTok.
She argued that the case exposed weaknesses in monitoring and enforcement systems, showing the urgent need for clearer rules and stronger oversight mechanisms.
Wetang’ula’s clarification comes at a time when social media platforms have been flooded with misinformation claiming that the government intends to completely ban TikTok.
The Speaker dismissed these claims as false and misleading. He reiterated that the government’s main focus is to promote responsible digital use while safeguarding children and protecting public safety.
As the debate continues, lawmakers have maintained that regulation should not be confused with censorship. Instead, they argue that proper policies will help create a safer online environment where innovation and freedom of expression can thrive without exposing vulnerable users to harm.
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