TikTok will run a nationwide training program to empower content creators with knowledge on how to benefit from the App.
During a meeting held on 2 September at State House, President William Ruto disclosed that TikTok will offer training to equip content creators on monetization and moderation of TikTok.
“Kenyan creatives deserve to make a livelihood from their ability to create good content. TikTok will run a national training programme in Kenya to empower content creators through comprehensive platform knowledge, fostering increased monetization and promoting positive content,” the President stated.
The Director of TikTok Fortune Sibanda, ICT Principal Secretary, John Kipchumba Tanui, Communication Strategist Dennis Itumbi and other identified persons graced the occasion.
Furthermore, the meeting was also aimed at reviewing the progress of TikTok moderation and monetization in the country.
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Moderation of TikTok Content
“Short-form video hosting service TikTok will work with Kenya in reviewing and monitoring its content,” TikTok Ceo said.
Furthermore, the TikTok CEO agreed to set up a Kenyan office to coordinate its operations in the continent, creating more job opportunities for Kenyans.
During the meeting, Mr. Chew agreed to set up a Kenyan Office to coordinate its operations in the continent.
He pledged to hire more Kenyans to work for the platform.
Nevertheless, this development means that inappropriate or offensive content will be expunged from the platform.
President William Ruto held the meeting, at a time when there is an ongoing debate on parliament to ban TikTok in Kenya after a petitioner filed the motion, terming TikTok as an unsafe app due to its explicit content.
Petition to Ban TikTok in Kenya
According to the petitioner, CEO of Bridget Connect Consultancy, Bob Ndolo, the lawmakers should ban TikTok since it exposes young people to explicit content.
Further, Ndolo argues that even though TikTok has gained popularity in Kenya, the content shared on the platform promotes sexual content, violence, hate speech and offensive language.
Ndolo argues that the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) does not regulate the internet in Kenya, hence making it difficult to control the content shared on TikTok.
While commenting on the matter, Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah opposed the banning of TikTok and instead called for regulation.
Further, Ichungwah explained that Kenya cannot fight technology adding that a committee should look at ways to regulate the use of social media apps.
“Many of us, including myself are on TikTok, unashamedly and there’s nothing criminal or evil being on TikTok,” he said.