The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has called for the immediate shutdown of 23 television stations accused of defying a national suspension on betting advertisements.
In a formal letter to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the BCLB cited the continued unauthorised promotion of gambling services by these stations, despite a 30-day ban issued on April 29. The ban aimed to curb the widespread exposure of misleading betting content, particularly on TV and radio.
“The board has noted that several media outlets continue to display mobile money till and paybill numbers, openly encouraging public participation in gambling promotions,” stated BCLB Director-General Peter Mbugi.
The board has also written to Safaricom, requesting the deactivation of payment channels linked to the offending broadcasters. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has been copied on the communication, signalling the possibility of legal action against those involved.
This move follows the board’s recent crackdown on unlicensed online betting platforms and forms part of a broader regulatory push to enforce compliance and protect the public.
“The BCLB is closely monitoring all electronic media and urges the Communications Authority to take firm action against non-compliant stations,” Mbugi added.
The 23 stations listed for closure include: JCDH, Swahili, Deliverance, Ngumbao, Aviation, Yahweh, Goodwill, Venus, Michezo, Humble Touch, Massa, Moja One, Repower, Naivera, Nyumba Itu, Tohanchane, Wave Time, Happy, Favour Life, Jawabu, Madhabahu, Maajabu, and Kameme TV.
BCLB insists that shutting down these stations is necessary to curb the illegal spread of betting content and reinforce regulatory integrity.
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