Kabogo pushes TikTok to tackle misinformation ahead of 2027 polls

Information, Communications and the Digital Economy CSWilliam Kabogo has called on TikTok to provide clear assurances on how it will tackle misinformation and disinformation on its platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His remarks come as the TikTok Safer Internet Summit 2026 gets underway in Nairobi, where policymakers and platform representatives are discussing online safety and responsible digital engagement.

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Kabogo said the meeting with TikTok leadership on Monday focused on ensuring Kenya’s digital ecosystem remains safe, trusted and responsible.

“With over 17 million users in Kenya, TikTok is a key pillar of our Creative Economy, while we welcome innovation, digital safety is a shared responsibility,” Kabogo said after the summit on his social media account.

He highlighted the importance of strengthening content moderation and age‑verification systems to protect children and vulnerable groups from harmful material.

“We are strengthening content moderation and age‑verification to protect our children and vulnerable groups,” Kabogo said, adding that the government wants global platforms to align with Kenya’s legal and regulatory frameworks, including the Data Protection Act (Kenya).

On the sensitive issue of election integrity, Kabogo said he pressed TikTok to demonstrate the tools it uses to detect misinformation and prevent coordinated disinformation campaigns that could undermine democratic processes.

“I sought clear assurances on TikTok’s tools to detect misinformation and prevent coordinated disinformation campaigns,” he said.

“It is vital that global platforms align with Kenya’s Data Protection Act and our evolving regulatory frameworks.”

Kabogo also challenged TikTok to deepen its operational presence in Kenya, suggesting that a stronger local footprint would support moderation in African languages and improve responsiveness to local needs.

“I’ve challenged TikTok to establish a stronger operational presence in Kenya to support African operations and invest in moderation for local languages,” he posted on social media.

“Together, we are building a digital future anchored in innovation, trust, and safety.”

Kabogo said the engagement reflects Kenya’s broader push to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape while safeguarding users and upholding democratic principles.

He stressed that collaboration with technology companies is essential to build a digital ecosystem that balances innovation with accountability, compliance and trust.

TikTok has increasingly been identified as a major vector for misinformation in Kenya, particularly around elections and public debates.

In response, the government has often tried to introduce various regulatory measures to ensure the platform aligns with local laws, including content moderation, age verification, and compliance with the Data Protection Act, aiming to safeguard users and curb the spread of false information.