The Kenyan online community has this week been left stunned after a Kenyan presented a petition before the National Assembly seeking a ban on the popular social media platform TikTok.
On Tuesday, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula confirmed receipt of the petition by the CEO of Bridget Connect Consultancy, Bob Ndolo. The petitioner argues that although TikTok has gained popularity among the youth in the country, the content shared on the platform is unsuitable, promoting violence, explicit sexual content, hate speech, vulgar language, and offensive behaviors.
Ndolo points out that the internet in Kenya lacks regulation by the Communications Authority of Kenya, making it challenging to control the content uploaded on TikTok effectively.
He cautioned that unless TikTok is banned in Kenya, its addictive qualities could result in a decline in academic performance and increased mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and sleep deprivation among Kenyan youth.
A plenary committee will review the petition and provide its decision after a period of 60 days.
As the debate continues in parliament, many Kenyans have taken to social media to voice their opinions on the polarising debate. Among them was Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale who said he is opposed to the motion.
Taking to Twitter, Khalwale pointed out that trying to ban TikTok is a waste of time.
“So somebody wants Parliament to ban Tik-tok? A fat waste of time! Kenya does not have its own unique locus on the Internet, which Parliamentary legislation can ring-fence and lock,” Boni ‘Mtetezi’ tweeted.
The senator nonetheless offered improbable advice to parents who don’t like TikTok for their kids.
“If you don’t like TikTok, deny your kids access to a smartphone or computer, IF YOU CAN.” Boni stated.
You went to wikipidia to search for Tit Tok…
Anyway that debate is dead on arrival…
— The Silent R7 (@thesilentr7) August 16, 2023
Hapo umeongea kama walevi kumi, why is it banned in some Asian countries and not in Kenya?
— Weldon (@weldon_kr) August 16, 2023
The government has the tools that can be used to block tiktok. You don’t have to comment on everything, even those you have no idea about.
— Big Luo (@dominicxowino) August 16, 2023
As a legislator you ought to be better than this sir.
— Blue hat 🧢 . Yellow heart💛.🇰🇪🤝🏾🇭🇺 (@Muoki_M_Abel) August 16, 2023
Our leaders don’t like to see young people make money
— NAPOLEON (@_Itseliud) August 16, 2023
Ban Tiktok
— ALWANG’A (@kissingerpius) August 16, 2023
The guys proposing such must confess that Pornhub is their site na hawataki compe
— Paul Maingi (@PaulMaingi19) August 16, 2023
Its the government responsibility to regulate what its citizens consume,thats why in China they have tiktok algorithm
— waziri (@wazirialfo) August 16, 2023
He should have just uninstalled the app than disturbing the parliament. Ama atumie kabambe, we are tayadi🤣🤣🤣
— BoBo🌍 (@krissBobo) August 16, 2023
Wewe ni mzee, tik-tok is waay ahead of you, acha watu wanajua tik tok waongelee. Wewe tuambie Tunaamsha aje Mumias sugar, you don’t have to comment on everything old man.
— Safari (@kenyancreative) August 16, 2023
