23 TV Stations Face Suspension as Government Cracks Down on Illegal Betting Ads
The Kenyan government has launched a decisive clampdown on illegal betting promotions, suspending pay services for 23 local TV stations accused of openly defying advertising regulations.
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), in a strongly worded letter dated May 5, 2025, directed the Communications Authority of Kenya to take swift action against the errant broadcasters. The directive, also copied to Safaricom and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), demands the immediate deactivation of paybill and till numbers associated with the listed stations.
According to BCLB, despite a 30-day suspension of betting ads announced earlier, several stations persisted in broadcasting content that included payment prompts urging viewers to participate in unauthorised gambling promotions.
“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 unauthorised betting promotions,” read part of the letter.
List of Affected Stations:
Tohanchane TV, Favour Life TV, Wave Time, Yahweh TV, Goodwill TV, Massa TV, JCDH TV, Swahili TV, Humble Touch, Deliverance TV, Moja One, Ngumbao TV, Naivera TV, Nyumba Ito, Aviation TV, Kameme TV, Repower, Happy TV, Jawabu TV, Maajabu TV, Madhabahu TV, Michezo TV, and Venus TV.
The BCLB said investigations and surveillance had confirmed that these broadcasters were still displaying mobile money payment information on-screen, in direct violation of the ban.
“These violations include displaying payment details on screen and urging viewers to participate in promotions for a chance to win,” the board said.
Safaricom has been instructed to cut off all transactional capabilities for the listed TV stations. Meanwhile, the Communications Authority has been called upon to move swiftly and enforce the law, including potentially shutting down non-compliant stations.
Consumer Protection at the Forefront
The BCLB emphasized that this move is part of broader state efforts to regulate Kenya’s fast-growing betting industry and protect the public, especially vulnerable youth, from predatory gambling schemes often disguised as entertainment.
In addition to financial restrictions, the board has also brought in law enforcement to investigate and potentially prosecute the promoters and owners of these stations.
“The board has determined that necessary measures must be taken against the listed TV stations, including their immediate shutdown,” the statement added.
This latest action signals a growing intolerance from regulatory agencies toward media houses circumventing legal frameworks to profit from unregulated betting promotions. Kenyans can expect tighter rules and tougher penalties as the government intensifies its war on illegal gambling content.
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23 TV Stations Face Suspension as Government Cracks Down on Illegal Betting Ads