The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has announced that 23 television stations, including popular outlets such as Kameme TV, face immediate closure for violating betting advertisement regulations.
In a statement signed by BCLB Director P.K. Mbugi dated May 5, 2025, the board indicated that the listed TV stations continued to air betting content with payment prompts, despite an earlier directive suspending such advertisements.
According to the statement, the media houses ignored a 30-day suspension on betting advertisements issued by the board, continuing to promote gambling with payment details prominently displayed on their screens.
“Following the Board’s recent press statement announcing a 30-day suspension of betting advertisements, it has come to our attention that several media outlets continue to run unauthorized betting promotions,” the statement read.
The BCLB has urged the Communications Authority (CA) to take immediate action against the non-compliant media houses as per your mandate.
The board further emphasised that violations include displaying payment details on the screen and urging viewers to participate in promotions for a chance to win, which is against the suspension guidelines.
The list of the affected TV stations includes Kameme TV, Tohanchane TV, Favour Life TV, Wave Time, Yahweh TV, Goodwill TV, Massa TV, JCDH TV, Swahili TV, and Humble Touch.
Other mentioned stations are Deliverance TV, Moja One, Ngumbao TV, Naivera TV, Nyumba Itu, Aviation TV, Repower, Happy TV, Jawabu TV, Maajabu TV, Madhabahu TV, Michezo TV, and Venus TV.
"The Board has determined that necessary measures must be taken against the listed TV stations, including their immediate shutdown," it stated.
In addition, the BCLB confirmed that it has copied the letter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), requesting legal action against the promoters involved in these unauthorised broadcasts.
“The board is actively monitoring TV and radio broadcasts and has identified specific TV stations engaging in these unauthorized activities,” the statement added.
The impending shutdown of the 23 TV stations marks a major regulatory step in the fight against illegal betting promotions, underscoring the government’s resolve to enforce compliance across the media and gaming sectors.
As of now, the affected media houses have not issued any statements in response to the allegations, while industry observers await the next move from the Communications Authority with keen interest.
