The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has launched an urgent investigation into TikTok following a shocking BBC report that revealed children were engaging in sexualized livestreams on the platform.
The exposé, published on March 3, 2025, has sparked widespread public outrage, with many questioning TikTok’s content moderation policies and its role in profiting from digital gifts sent during these broadcasts.
In response, the CA has issued strict directives to the social media giant, demanding the immediate removal of all content involving child exploitation.
Additionally, the regulator has initiated a formal inquiry to determine whether TikTok violated Kenyan laws.
If found culpable, the platform could face serious penalties under the country’s legal framework.
Authorities have also pressed TikTok for answers on how such content bypassed its moderation system.
The platform is now required to outline a comprehensive plan for strengthening child protection measures in accordance with both Kenyan regulations and international agreements.
However, the crackdown extends beyond just TikTok. The Kenyan government is intensifying public awareness efforts to combat online child exploitation.
Parents and guardians are being urged to familiarize themselves with online safety measures and utilize parental control tools to protect their children from harmful digital content.
Kenya has enacted several laws to protect children from online exploitation and cybercrimes.
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (2018) specifically addresses online child exploitation by imposing stricter penalties on offenders.
This law enhances the legal framework for prosecuting crimes involving child abuse materials and other cyber-related offenses that target minors. By implementing stiffer sentences, the act serves as a deterrent to individuals engaging in digital crimes against children, ensuring a safer online environment for them.
The Films and Stage Plays Act (Cap 222) mandates the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) to regulate content accessible to children, ensuring that films, advertisements, and online media adhere to national moral standards.
Through strict classification and content monitoring, the KFCB safeguards young audiences from exposure to inappropriate material.
Additionally, the Children Act (Cap 141) reflects Kenya’s commitment to global child rights protection by aligning national laws with international treaties such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
Furthermore, the Data Protection Act (Cap 411C) ensures that children’s personal data is safeguarded under Kenyan law, reinforcing their right to privacy and security online.
This act is in line with global standards, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Child Online Protection Guidelines, which emphasize the importance of protecting minors’ digital footprints.
Collectively, these laws demonstrate Kenya’s commitment to creating a safe online and offline environment for children by addressing cybercrimes, regulating media exposure, and ensuring data privacy in accordance with international best practices.
With mounting global scrutiny over TikTok’s handling of harmful content, the pressure is on.
Will the platform take decisive action to ensure the safety of children, or will it face severe consequences in Kenya?
