The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has given a stern order to all radio and television broadcasters to reduce betting, lottery and gambling content within 14 days.
In a letter dated April 23, 2025, signed by Director General David Mugonyi, the Authority warned that any station that fails to follow the directive within 14 days from the date of the letter could lose its broadcasting license.
“The purpose of this letter is therefore to notify all broadcasters to remedy these contraventions within 14 days from the date of this letter and adhere to the provisions in the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998: Licence Conditions and Programming Code,” the Authority stated.
“The Authority will take enforcement action against a broadcaster who fails to remedy these contraventions in line with Section 83A(1) of the Kenya Information and Communications Act,1998; and/or revoke the licence as per Sections 46J(a) and (b) of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998,” Mugonyi emphasized.
The Authority raised concerns over the growing number of consumer complaints about gambling content being aired.
“The Authority has noted, with concern, an increase in the number of complaints raised by consumers regarding betting, lottery and gambling content that is aired on Television (TV) and FM Radio broadcasting stations,” the letter stated.
Broadcasters were reminded to strictly follow the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, which requires responsible programming that respects community standards of decency and ensures that advertisements are not misleading.
The Authority pointed out that many stations have broken their license conditions by airing more gambling-related programs than allowed.
“The Authority has observed that programming with respect to betting, lottery and gambling activities for most broadcasting stations exceeds the approved quota in the programme schedule contrary to the provisions in the Licence Conditions, Programming Code and Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998,” Mugonyi warned.
The statement came days after Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura on April 23, said that the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) is working jointly with the Parliament to reinforce existing laws so as to elevate oversight of gambling in the country, especially on online betting platforms.
"The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), in collaboration with Parliament, is fast-tracking the Gambling Control Bill, 2023, to modernise existing laws," he said.
Mwaura added that the accelerating rate of gambling addiction in the country has contributed significantly to the loss of property, decreased productivity, and even the loss of life.
