Kenyan media personality and influencer Lillian Ng’ang’a has sparked conversation online after raising concerns over teachers featuring students in social media content without clear consent from parents or schools.
Lillian Ng’ang’a is a Kenyan public figure, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former Machakos First Lady who has remained in the spotlight for both her personal life and outspoken social commentary.
In a post shared on her Instagram stories, Ng’ang’a questioned whether parents and school administrations are fully aware of how learners are being used in online content creation by some teachers.
“It’s okay to post what you do for work,” she wrote.
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“"Wondering though… Are parents okay with teachers posting the students as content? Are parents aware? Is the school aware?”
Her remarks come at a time when short-form video platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Facebook continue to gain popularity among Kenyan teachers, many of whom share classroom moments, dances, and interactions with students as part of lifestyle or educational content.
Growing Debate Around Children’s Privacy
The issue has triggered mixed reactions online, with some social media users defending teachers for showcasing positive school environments, while others argue that children’s privacy rights should be protected more carefully.
Digital safety experts have repeatedly warned about the risks of exposing minors online without proper safeguards. Concerns include cyberbullying, misuse of images, and long-term digital footprints created before children are old enough to consent.
In Kenya, the Data Protection Act of 2019 classifies children’s personal information as sensitive data requiring extra protection. The Children Act 2022 also emphasises the right to privacy and protection from exploitation.
Although there are no publicly known nationwide regulations specifically banning teachers from posting students online, many schools require parental consent before photos or videos of learners are shared publicly.
Teachers Using Social Media as a Career Tool
Over the past few years, several Kenyan teachers have built large followings online by creating school-based content. Some use the platforms to teach, entertain audiences, or market brands through influencer partnerships.
According to DataReportal’s 2025 Kenya digital report, millions of Kenyans actively use social media daily, with TikTok and Instagram among the fastest-growing platforms in the country. The rise has also opened income opportunities for content creators, including educators.
However, critics argue that the growing monetisation of online content increases the need for ethical guidelines, especially where minors are involved.
