Former NTV Managing Editor Emmanuel Juma has been appointed to head a new betting task force.
In a statement shared on Wednesday, July 7, the Media Council of Kenya indicated that it had selected Juma to head a team of seven members to review betting content on media outlets.
The notice signed by MCK CEO David Omwoyo further noted that it reached the decision after noting content of advertisements did not meet the standards set by the law.
The team will be expected to help regulate the industry to safeguard the information consumed by the public.
"Promotion of and advertising of gambling on media platforms is a potential public health issue as it may have a direct and material effect on gambling participation, particularly by children.
"Recently, it has been observed that media houses are taking part on running gambling programmes without licences and advertising gambling outside watershed hours in some cases during children shows," read the statement in part.
The team comprises of Wangethi Mwangi, Ken Bosire, Ruth Nesoba, Julie Masiga, Tole Nyatta and Lydia Radoli.
The team will be expected to differentiate between betting and betting advertisements as well as assess legal implications by the Communications Authority.
Others include investigating media house's ability to vet advertisements and outside content and shows as well as make recommendations to the council on the place of advertising code in relation to promotion and hosting of gambling in media.
Audiences had earlier complained over a spike in betting activities in the press with the most affected medium being the radio which enjoys deeper and massive reach.
Juma, who served as the Managing Editor of Nation Media Group's Broadcasting Division left the station in January 2021.
After his departure, NTV's morning show host, and ex-BBC editor Joseph Warungu was appointed to fill the position on an interim basis.
Juma had been with NTV for 15 years and is famously known for the satirical show - Bulls Eye.
