TikTok has launched the elections hub, an in-app guide to the 2022 general elections weeks before the polls to be held on the 9th of August 2022. The move by the social media platform is meant to curb misinformation and to ensure that any information on the election disseminated is factual and authoritative.
Considering Kenyans on TikTok are in the millions, TikTok feels obliged to protect the platform from malicious use and abuse by providing guides and regulations. The TikTok team in Africa did week-long engagements in Kenya targeting NGOs, government, media, corporate organizations, civil societies, educational institutions, and other role-players that form part of the TikTok community in Kenya.
“We are engaging with diverse stakeholders in Kenya to discuss opportunities and challenges for dynamic solutions in a fast-paced digital world. Our resolve is to spread positive vibes in markets where we operate as we promote peaceful coexistence,” said TikTok’s SSA Government Relations, Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda.
As part of the initiative, TikTok launched a 3-part series titled #TikTokForPeace in partnership with Article19 which is a series of TikTok LIVE sessions hosted at Strathmore University, Policy Innovation center featuring key opinion formers in government, civil society, and academia, to focus on tolerance, building bridges and active citizenship. #TikTokForPeace LIVE streams will take place on Article19 TikTok page on the 18th & 19th of July, with the first LIVE session having taken place on the 13th of July.
The platform in conjunction with other institutions will be on the lookout for harmful content and also content that is untrue and fuels any political intolerance in any way. “TikTok is a platform that encourages authentic and entertaining content that speaks to the important message of national and global harmony.” Said Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda.
