TikTok to open Kenya office in bid to moderate content

President William Ruto meets TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew virtually to discuss moderation of content. [PSC]

TikTok will set up in Kenya to help coordinate the app's operations in the continent.

Chief Executive Officer Shou Zi Chew made the announcement on Thursday, August 24, during a virtual meeting with President William Ruto. Other leaders present include Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and Economic adviser Adan Mohamed.

"During the meeting, Chew pledged to hire more Kenyans to work for TikTok," read a statement by the State House communication team.

The CEO also agreed to regulate the content posted on the video-sharing app, in order to ensure that it fits the community standards.

According to the convention, this move means that inappropriate or offensive content will be deleted permanently from the platform.

The issue of explicit and inappropriate content was raised in the National Assembly after businessman Bob Ndolo submitted a motion seeking to ban the platform.

Lawmakers suggested having negative material shared on the app regulated rather than banning the application.

According to the lawmakers, helpful material is also posted on the app and it serves as a source of income to a majority of creative youths.