Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA) has launched an urgent investigation into TikTok after a BBC report exposed the platform’s profiting from child exploitation on its livestreams in Kenya.
The report, published on March 3, 2025, revealed that minors as young as 15 were engaging in sexualized livestreams, with TikTok earning up to 70% of the revenue generated from these transactions.
The CA has issued strict directives to TikTok, demanding the immediate removal of all content involving child exploitation and a formal inquiry into the platform’s alleged violations.
If found guilty, TikTok could face penalties under Kenyan law. Authorities are also seeking a clear plan from TikTok on strengthening child protection measures, both under Kenyan law and international agreements.
Kenya’s government is ramping up public awareness efforts, urging parents and guardians to educate themselves on online safety and use available parental control tools to protect their children.
The country already has strict laws on online child protection, including the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, the Films and Stage Plays Act, and the Children Act.
With global scrutiny mounting over TikTok’s handling of content moderation, the pressure is on for the platform to take stronger action to protect children or face serious consequences in Kenya.
