Kenya’s National Assembly has formally set a new direction for the future of social media in the country, rejecting a proposed blanket ban on TikTok and opting instead for a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at protecting users while strengthening the digital economy.
During a decisive sitting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Members of Parliament dismissed calls to outlaw the platform. Instead, they adopted recommendations from the Public Petitions Committee, which argued that a total ban would violate constitutional rights and undermine Kenya’s fast-growing tech and creative sectors.
Rather than shutting down access, lawmakers are advancing a “compliance monitoring” model designed to balance innovation with accountability. The approach seeks to ensure platforms operate within Kenyan law while preserving digital freedoms.
Protecting minors and strengthening data privacy
A central concern driving the new policy direction is child protection. Legislators raised alarm over minors’ exposure to explicit material, cyber exploitation, and harmful online behavior.
Speaking during the debate, Moses Kajwang emphasized that content regulation, not prohibition, is the more practical path forward. Lawmakers agreed that the risks associated with social media can be managed through stricter oversight, clearer community standards, and enhanced enforcement mechanisms.
The proposed framework is expected to tighten safeguards around age verification, content moderation, and data privacy compliance, ensuring platforms take greater responsibility for user safety.
Unlocking Kenya’s digital goldmine
Beyond safety concerns, Parliament is also pushing for economic reforms that would directly benefit Kenyan creators. Lawmakers are calling on TikTok and similar platforms to introduce structured monetization systems tailored specifically for the Kenyan market.
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo noted that for many young Kenyans, social media platforms are more than entertainment tools—they are critical spaces for civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and income generation.
By requiring direct monetization options, the government aims to enable Kenyan influencers, artists, and digital entrepreneurs to earn revenue directly from their content, rather than depending solely on third-party brand partnerships.
From banning to regulating
The shift from “ban” to “regulate” represents a significant win for Kenya’s creative and tech communities. Lawmakers acknowledged that in a modern democracy, digital platforms are essential for freedom of expression and economic participation.
However, they were clear that such freedoms must operate within the framework of national laws. Millie Odhiambo stressed that the era of unchecked self-regulation by major tech companies is ending in Kenya.
With this new direction, Kenya positions itself as a country seeking to protect minors, defend constitutional freedoms, and unlock the full potential of its digital economy—without resorting to outright prohibition.
