By Nyang’au Araka
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has suspended all gambling advertisements and testimonials across all media platforms for a period of thirty (30) days.
The gambling activities affected include betting, gaming, lottery prize competitions, and all related promotional undertakings.
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“This directive applies to all licensed gambling operators and covers all forms of advertisement and promotional activities on radio, television, newspapers, magazines, flyers, billboards and branded transport,” said the Board’s chairperson, Dr Jane Mwikali Makau.
It also affects Short Messaging Services (SMS), e-mail campaigns, push notifications, celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing.
“During the suspension, all licensed gambling operators and promoters shall submit all gambling advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for examination, classification, and issuance of a certificate of approval and filming license in accordance with the Film and Stage Plays Act (Chapter 222, Laws of Kenya),” Dr Mwikali said.
Operators should also ensure strict compliance with all applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks governing gambling and related advertising in Kenya, and implement comprehensive measures to promote responsible gambling practices, as per the licensing and operating conditions issued by BCLB.
To strengthen regulatory oversight, the Board the National Assembly urged to expedite the enactment of the Gambling Control Bill to empower the sector regulator with enhanced enforcement and supervisory powers;
“The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) is requested to finalize and operationalize new guidelines to replace the programming code declared unconstitutional, in full compliance with the court ruling,” the statement said.
“Members of the public are encouraged to lodge formal complaints either directly with the BCLB or report to the nearest police station for immediate investigation and necessary action.”
Combined efforts
Dr Mwikali also urged the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to undertake immediate measures to block and deactivate all foreign unlicensed gambling websites operating within Kenya, in a bid to safeguard consumers and uphold the integrity of the sector.
Meanwhile, the Government has constituted a Multi-Agency Enforcement Team mandated to formulate strategic interventions, policy recommendations, and enforcement mechanisms to advance responsible gambling practices across the country.
The Team consists of representatives from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Office of the Attorney General, Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The Kenya Film Classification Board, Media Council of Kenya (MCK), Financial Reporting Centre; and the Betting Control and Licensing Board also have representation in the team.
BCLB called upon stakeholders, including betting companies, media houses, digital platforms, telecommunication service providers, and members of the general public, to fully comply with this directive in the national interest.
“The Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding public welfare, protecting the youth, promoting social responsibility, and restoring integrity within Kenya’s gambling sector,” Dr Mwikali said.
National outcry
The action appeared to be in response to pressure that has been mounting on social media in recent days, regarding uncontrolled betting, which had occasioned social and health challenges including depression and suicide.
Among Kenyans who have strongly warned that Kenya is likely to lose a generation is blogger Cyprian Nyakundi, who, in recent days, has been giving Kenyans a chance to engage on the controversial issue.
Dr Mwikali admitted that some gambling promoters are increasingly mischaracterizing gambling as a legitimate investment opportunity and a shortcut to wealth creation.
“The erroneous depiction occasions adverse socioeconomic consequences, with devastating effects on individuals, families, and the broader community,” she said in the statement.
“Of particular concern is the rampant airing of gambling advertisements during the watershed period (5:00 am to 10:00 pm), thereby exposing vulnerable members of the population, particularly minors, who are gradually drawn into gambling-related addiction.”
The ban is likely to attract sharp reactions from advertisers and platform owners, given that advertising is a multimillion enterprise and stakeholders sign legally binding contracts to sustain it.
