TikTok plans African hub in Kenya for content moderation as calls intensify to ban app

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew announced plans Thursday for a Nairobi office to bolster content moderation in Africa as called escalate to ban the app.

Kenya's presidency made the announcement after a meeting between Shou and Kenyan President William Ruto.

The presidency reported that "TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew pledged to moderate content in alignment with community standards."

“Mr. Chew also 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,” added Ruto.

The discussions came as Kenya grapples with a motion in parliament that seeks to ban the platform, echoing steps by Somalia, which recently implemented a nationwide TikTok ban, citing concerns about the effect on the younger generation.

Chew affirmed the company's commitment to ensuring a safer and more responsible digital environment, in a direct response to the apprehensions voiced by stakeholders.
The motion to ban TikTok in Kenya gained momentum in recent weeks, leading to a petition submitted last week to Moses Wetang'ula, the Speaker of the National Assembly.

In neighboring Somalia, the government took a decisive stance by enforcing a TikTok ban Aug. 21.
TikTok is currently facing increased scrutiny across African nations about its content and potential effect on a younger demographic.