A live debate has erupted within Kenya’s parliamentary and public spheres after petition urging for the prohibition of TikTok was brought to table. 

On Tuesday, the Kenyan parliament debated over the petition, which was submitted by Bob Ndolo a Kenyan citizen.

Mr. Ndolo beseeched Members of Parliament to consider outlawing TikTok, asserting that the platform poses a challenge to the fundamental cultural and religious values of Kenya.

Mr. Ndolo, the petitioner highlighted the inadequate regulation of TikTok within Kenya. He also attribute the surge of offensive and unsuitable content pervading the platform.

TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company Bytedance, according to the recently released Reuters Institute Digital News report 2023 survey points Kenya as the lead in TikTok usage in the world.

This report shows that the east African nation concentrates 54% of TikTok usage for any purpose and 29% for news.

Mr. Ndolo also said that the ban would function as a safeguard, shielding Kenyans from TikTok’s adverse repercussions, which encompass addiction, potentially disrupting the education and mental well-being of students. 

Moses Wetangula, the Speaker of the Kenyan parliament, said “The petition emphasizes that although TikTok has gained substantial popularity among Kenya’s youth, the nature of content being disseminated on the platform is unsuitable. This trend, including the promotion of violence, explicit sexual content, hate speech, profanity, and offensive conduct, poses a substantial threat to Kenya’s cultural and religious values.”

Members of Parliament such as Kimani Ichung’wah, the majority leader in parliament, have advocated for a different approach in the handling of this matter. Rather than an outright ban, they propose a  more rigorous content oversight on the platform.

Hon. Mayaka Irene Nyaherario, a Kenyan nominated Member of Parliament said, “ Even if you ban any application in Kenya, if anyone has access to VPN from any other country, they can still access that application ,” she also added that, “…and ultimate ban will not assist anyone.”