Kenya has called for stronger safeguards in the rapidly expanding digital space as policymakers, technology leaders and digital creators gathered in Nairobi for the TikTok Safer Internet Summit 2026.
The summit brought together regulators, civil society organisations, technology companies and content creators from across Africa to deliberate on the future of digital innovation, online safety and the growing influence of social media platforms such as TikTok in the continent’s digital economy.
Opening the summit on Tuesday,March 10, officials highlighted the growing importance of Kenya’s digital economy, noting that increased investment in digital infrastructure and digital skills programmes has positioned the country as one of the region’s leading technology hubs.
Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, who attended the summit, said social media platforms have become important tools for creativity, entrepreneurship and economic participation, particularly among young people.
“Platforms like TikTok are opening up new economic opportunities for young people, and our role as government is to ensure innovation grows within a safe and responsible digital environment,” Kabogo said.
The meeting also highlighted the rapid rise of the digital creator economy, which is increasingly providing new avenues for expression, business and employment opportunities across the country.
However, participants warned that the growth of digital platforms has also introduced new risks including misinformation, cybercrime, online scams, harmful content affecting minors and concerns over personal data protection.
Kabogo said addressing these challenges requires stronger collaboration between governments, technology companies and civil society organisations.
“As the digital creator economy expands, we must strengthen collaboration between governments, technology companies and civil society to address misinformation, cybercrime and harmful online content,” he said.
To address emerging threats, the government said it is strengthening oversight measures across the digital ecosystem, including improved user protection, enhanced cybersecurity frameworks, stronger age verification systems and increased awareness on data privacy and digital literacy.
Participants also discussed the growing influence of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, noting that while innovation is transforming the digital landscape, it must be accompanied by trust, transparency and responsible governance.
“Kenya is positioning itself as a regional hub for digital innovation, but innovation must go hand in hand with trust, transparency and user protection,” Kabogo added.
Among those who attended the summit were Kenny Morolong, Deputy Minister in The Presidency of South Africa, and Philip Thigo, Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, alongside industry leaders and digital creators from across the continent.
The summit forms part of ongoing efforts to build a safe, inclusive and innovative digital ecosystem as Africa’s digital economy continues to grow.
