Bob Ndolo, the CEO of Bridge Connect and the man who filed a petition seeking to ban the use of TikTok in Kenya, has now changed his tune.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Public Petitions Committee on Tuesday, September 27, the CEO urged the state to impose regulations to govern the use of Tik Tok.
In his submissions, Ndolo told the committee that he met TikTok users and realized only a small percentage abuse the video sharing platform and as such banning it would be to the disadvantage of many.
“Banning it would have denied many people their livelihood,” he stated.
When asked about the motive for his change of mind, the CEO dispelled speculations of coercion from State House amid reports that he received calls from above.
However, Ndolo underscored the need to regulate the use of TikTok. According to him, the app has been implicated in cases of breach of privacy- among others.
“We are privy to the discussion between the President (William Ruto) and Tiktok CEO, but we became aware through the media,” Ndolo stated.
Mutua supports TikTok ban
On his part, Music and Copyright Society of Kenya CEO Ezekiel Mutua- who also appeared before the committee- advocated for the app’s ban in the country.
He argued that unregulated TikTok use in Kenya has led to erosion of moral values.
Also Read: TikTok Billionaire Agrees to Set Up Office in Nairobi
Further, he disagreed with the proposition by many that TikTok has been a source of livelihood for many.
According to him, Kenyans contribute money to pay TikTok creators unlike other apps which pay creators directly.
In addition, the CEO urged the Committee to consider the proposal to impose tax on TikTok in Kenya- among other regulations.
Kenya to adopt regulations
In its conclusion, the Petitions Committee agreed that it was imperative to train the youth in various fields to help them find alternative sources of income besides social media.
Further, the members agreed on the need to impose regulations to govern the use of Tik Tok and other apps.
Also Read: TikTok to Offer Countrywide Training to Content Creators
Consequently, the Committee will consider presentations on how countries including the United States have managed to implement regulations on Tik Tok.
The petition by Ndolo sparked mixed with reactions with Kenyans debate on the merits and disadvantages of Tik Tok in Kenya.
While some agreed that Tik Tok usage was unregulated and a threat to moral values, some including President William Ruto disagreed citing Kenyans minting millions in the creative sector.
