TikTok has removed about 450,000 videos from its platform in Kenya during the first quarter of 2025 after they violated the company’s community guidelines.
This massive content crackdown reflects TikTok’s intensified efforts to maintain safety and compliance in a fast-growing digital market.
The announcement was made public on Tuesday, shedding light on how the platform balances rapid user growth with regulatory demands.
Video removals reflect active moderation
Between January and March 2025, TikTok’s moderation team pulled over 450,000 videos in Kenya for breaching safety-related rules, misinformation, harassment, and inappropriate content.
Remarkably, 92.1 per cent of these videos were removed before any views, and 94.3 per cent were taken down within 24 hours of posting. Concurrently, more than 43,000 accounts faced bans due to guideline violations.
TikTok credits these results to integrating advanced automated moderation technology alongside the expertise of thousands of trust and safety professionals.
The system can detect and remove harmful content proactively, with a global proactive detection rate now hitting 99 per cent.
This helps reduce exposure to misinformation, hate speech, and other damaging material before it reaches users.
Collaboration with Kenyan authorities and mental health initiatives
TikTok’s intensified moderation aligns with Kenya’s regulatory push to safeguard digital spaces.
In previous years, the Communications Authority of Kenya took firm action against inappropriate content, especially involving minors, demanding zero tolerance and better platform accountability.
In addition to video removals and account bans, TikTok has partnered with local organisations like Childline Kenya and Mental360 to offer mental health support through the app.
This includes counselling and expert advice for users facing harassment or harmful content.
TikTok aims to better navigate the region’s unique cultural and legal landscape by increasing local moderation staffing and teaming with Kenyan regulators.
The company’s CEO previously met President William Ruto to discuss regulatory compliance, which resulted in plans to open regional offices to boost oversight.
TikTok’s comprehensive approach highlights the complexity of moderating an explosion of digital content while adhering to diverse local laws and user safety standards.
In Kenya’s rapidly expanding online ecosystem, these efforts represent an ongoing commitment to creating a safer environment for millions of users engaging on the platform daily.