GhanaWeb Feature by Benefo Buabeng

The enchanting beat of traditional drums fills the air as four drummers in vibrant attire brighten the entrance of an auditorium at Hyatt Hotel, Nairobi, with their rhythmic performance. Adorned in colourful beaded necklaces, feathered headgears, and striking white face markings, they captivate with every beat.

Their powerful drumming and dancing skills resonate through the natural, rustic setting, illuminated by decorative lights that enhance the cultural ambience. An evening of bliss unfolds as guests eagerly anticipate the rich content of the four-hour TikTok Safety Summit event.

Ladies in black uniforms greet attendees at strategic points, guiding them through the lobby—a beautifully designed space featuring engaging games that add excitement to the experience. From navigating a buzzwire to solving puzzles, guests were immersed in interactive activities, lively conversations, and delightful music. The warm-up to the August 21, 2024, evening event truly set the stage for an unforgettable experience!

With a full house of attendees—including content creators, journalists from various African countries, TikTok officials, and consumers—the TikTok Safety Summit unveiled an eight-member Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council. The council members are:

• Dennis Coffie, a content creator from Ghana

• Prof. Guy Berger, Rhodes University (South Africa)

• Peter Cunliffe-Jones, University of Westminster Visiting Research Fellow (UK)

• Aisha Dabo, Co-Founder and Coordinator of AfricTivistes (Senegal)

• Lillian Kariuki, Founder and Executive Director of Watoto Watch Network (Kenya)

• Dr. Akinola Olojo, an expert on preventing and countering violent extremism (Nigeria)

• Prof. Medhane Tadesse, policy academic on peace and security issues (Ethiopia)

• Berhan Taye, independent researcher (Ethiopia)

According to officials, TikTok is enhancing safety across Sub-Saharan Africa by launching its first Safety Advisory Council and expanding the #SaferTogether community education campaign. By partnering with policymakers, academics, NGOs and community leaders, TikTok aims to create a secure and positive platform through a collaborative approach.



Before the main event on August 21, the organizers hosted an introductory dinner for the invited journalists. This gathering and other engagements aimed to foster connections and set the stage for the upcoming events. As a highlight of the event, organisers arranged a tour of Nairobi National Park, the National Museum, and the Giraffe Centre, alongside a workshop at Zetech University.

A tour of the National Park, Museum, and Giraffe Centre with a taste of local flavours

Giraffes stand in a lush, green environment. The area is surrounded by dense foliage, with tall trees and shrubs dominating the landscape. People walk along the pathway, observing the giraffes while others feed them with food provided by officials of the habitat. The sky above is cloudy, casting a soft, diffused light over the scene.

That was the beautiful sight beheld at the Giraffe Centre, located in Nairobi's Lang'ata suburb. Established by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, the centre is maintained to educate people about wildlife and the environment. As a secondary aim, it seeks to offer visitors the chance to interact closely with giraffes.

The Nairobi National Park, home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, rhinoceroses, and over 400 bird species, offers a remarkable contrast between wildlife and urban landscapes, with the city’s skyline visible in the background. The park’s landscape includes woodlands, plains, and river valleys, with dry savanna vegetation.

The Nairobi Museum stands out as a premier destination to immerse in Kenya's rich heritage. It offers a comprehensive look into the country's history and culture, providing an educational yet enjoyable experience. The museum boasts a range of permanent galleries, including:

• The Cradle of Humankind: Showcasing early human evolution
• The Story of Mammals: Detailing diverse mammalian life
• The History of Kenya: Chronicling the nation’s past
• The Cycles of Life: Exploring biological processes
• The Numismatic Exhibition: Displaying historical currency
• The Asian African Heritage: Highlighting cross-cultural influences

These exhibits draw visitors and scholars, offering a deep dive into Kenya's cultural and historical significance.

Close is the Kenya Snake Park which houses some reptiles. While it offers visitors an opportunity to see a variety of snake species, it also serves as both an educational and conservation facility about reptiles, among others.

A visit to Kenya wouldn’t be complete without tasting Ugali and nyama choma, a classic East African meal. Ugali, a staple made from maize flour and water, is cooked to a dough-like consistency, while nyama choma, typically beef or goat, is simply seasoned and grilled over an open flame.

This hearty and flavorful combination is often served with vegetables or a tomato and onion salad. The meat, tender with a visible layer of fat, is slightly charred on the edges, cooked to perfection for a flavorful crust and served on a hot, black skillet.

The smooth organization of the TikTok Safety Summit ensured that attendees and invited journalists had a memorable experience.

The efforts of officials like Pereruan Kenana, Keagile Makgoba, Charlotte Van Kradenburg, and Itumeleng Morule, along with the presence of journalists from across Africa—such as David Afolayan (Nigeria), Wesley Diphoko (South Africa), Aksah Italo (Ethiopia)—and South African TikTok star Sphokuhle Ntshalintshali made the journey truly remarkable.