Kenyan Government Orders Immediate Shutdown Of 23 Television Stations Over Illegal Betting Ads

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

The Kenyan government has ordered the immediate shutdown of 23 television stations, including Kameme TV, for violating a 30-day suspension on gambling advertisements issued by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).

In a formal letter to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), BCLB Chief executive officer Peter Mbugi stated that the media houses continued to air unauthorized betting promotions despite the nationwide suspension announced on April 29.

The violations include displaying mobile money payment details and encouraging public participation in betting activities during broadcast hours.

“The board is actively monitoring TV and radio broadcasts and has identified specific TV stations engaging in these unauthorised activities,” said Mbugi.

“In light of these breaches, we urge the Communications Authority to take immediate action against the non-compliant media houses as per your mandate.”

The 23 affected TV stations are: Yahweh, Swahili, Deliverance, Ngumbao, Aviation, Nyumba Itu, Venus, Michezo, Humble Touch, Massa, Goodwill, Moja One, Repower, Naivera, Happy, Tohanchane, Favour Life, Wave Time, Jawabu, Maajabu, Madhabahu, and Kameme.

The BCLB also requested giant Safaricom to suspend all till and pay bill numbers linked to the illegal betting promotions and has informed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to pursue legal action against the promoters.

This directive follows a broader crackdown on unlicensed betting platforms and misleading gambling advertisements.

The temporary ban was imposed in response to rising public concern over the normalization of gambling as an investment, especially during watershed hours, which poses a risk to minors.

BCLB Chairperson Jane Mwikali emphasized the need for tighter regulations, warning against the portrayal of gambling as a path to wealth and calling for greater responsibility among media outlets.

The shutdown is part of an intensified campaign to regulate Kenya’s betting industry and protect vulnerable populations from addiction and exploitation.