TikTok, the global social media platform, reaffirmed its dedication to Kenya's creative economy and online safety during a session with Kenyan legislators on April 9, 2024.

Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, TikTok’s Head of Public Policy and Government Relations for Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the platform's pivotal role in fostering creativity and ensuring user safety in the country.

"Safety and creativity are at the core of TikTok's mission. We are committed to being a responsible and positive force in the lives of our user community in Kenya," stated Sibanda.

With Kenya's youthful population, where over 80 per cent are aged 35 and below, facing challenges like youth unemployment, TikTok aims to collaborate with the Kenyan government to empower young people through technology for sustainable livelihoods.

Sibanda highlighted the emergence of local talents on the platform, such as Dennis Ombachi, Amos Ngahu, and Elsa Majimbo, who showcase diverse skills ranging from cooking to financial literacy and comedy, respectively.

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TikTok's investment in nurturing African creators, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, includes initiatives like the Africa Creator Hub and the LevelUpAfrica program, designed to nurture and upskill talent.

The platform also promotes learning and education through hashtags like #LearnOnTikTok, offering tutorials on various topics.

Recognizing the potential of Kenya's creative economy, TikTok supports initiatives like the Talanta Hela project and collaborates with organizations like Yunus Social Business to invest in social enterprises, contributing to economic growth and job creation.

Moreover, TikTok extends an invitation to government officials to visit its Transparency and Accountability Centre in Dublin, showcasing firsthand how the platform ensures community safety and transparency.

Through ongoing capacity-building workshops for policymakers and regulatory agencies, TikTok focuses on areas like online safety, data privacy, and content moderation, demonstrating its commitment to fostering a safe and vibrant online environment in Kenya.

TikTok's engagement underscores its dedication to nurturing Kenya's creative talent pool while prioritizing user safety and responsible digital citizenship.