The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has swiftly moved to address child exploitation issues on TikTok following a shocking investigation by BBC. The investigation, published on March 3, 2025, revealed that minors in Kenya have been involved in sexually explicit livestreams while TikTok has profited from viewer-donated digital gifts. This discovery has raised significant concerns regarding the platform’s content moderation policies and sparked public outrage.
In response, the CA has launched a comprehensive inquiry into the matter and has issued stringent orders to TikTok. The regulator has instructed the platform to remove all content related to child exploitation immediately and is conducting a formal investigation into potential violations of Kenyan law. Should TikTok be found in breach, it could face severe penalties under the country’s legal framework.
Authorities are also demanding an explanation from TikTok on how such harmful content managed to bypass its moderation system. The CA has called for a detailed plan from the platform outlining how it intends to enhance child protection measures in line with both Kenyan laws and international conventions. The focus, authorities emphasize, is not only on enforcement but on ensuring the safety of children online.
The Kenyan government is also stepping up efforts to raise awareness among the public. Parents and guardians are being encouraged to familiarize themselves with online safety practices and make use of available parental control tools to safeguard their children. This initiative is part of a broader effort to protect young people in the digital realm.
Kenya’s legal framework for online child protection is already robust, with key laws such as the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, the Films and Stage Plays Act, and the Children Act providing a strong foundation. These laws, alongside international agreements, underscore the country’s commitment to shielding minors from exploitation in the digital space.
As global scrutiny intensifies over TikTok’s content moderation practices, all eyes are now on the platform. Will it implement stricter measures to protect children, or will Kenya impose significant penalties? The government has made its stance clear: it will not hesitate to take action.
