23 TV stations in Kenya face shutdown over betting ads
BCLB warned that it may initiate legal action against the non-compliant stations.
Kenya.- More than 20 TV stations have allegedly defied the Kenyan government’s ongoing suspension on airing betting ads. Now, the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) is looking to shut them down.
The BCLB has written to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), requesting the withdrawal of the operating licences of 23 TV stations found to be broadcasting betting ads despite the ban.
The stations in question include Tohanchane TV, Favour Live TV, Wave Time TV, Yahweh TV, Goodwill TV, Massa TV, JCDH TV, Swahili TV, Humble Touch TV, Deliverance TV, Moja One TV, Ngumbao TV, and Naivera TV.
Others are Nyumba Itû TV, Aviation TV, Kameme TV, Repower TV, Happy TV, Jawabu TV, Maajabu TV, Madhabahu TV, Michezo TV and Venus TV.
The BCLB told CAK that the specified media outlets did not adhere to the 30-day directive to stop airing betting ads and promotional content.
The regulator reported that the stations violated the rules by showing payment information, including till bill numbers and pay bills, and urging viewers to participate in betting promotions. It continued that the actions of the TV stations directly contravened the betting ads ban and undermined the government’s efforts to curb problem gambling.
In addition to the shutdown, the BCLB has asked Safaricom to suspend the paybill and till number accounts of the non-compliant media houses.
The letter from the BCLB read: “In light of these breaches, we urge the Communication Authority (CA) to take immediate action against the non-compliant media houses as per your mandate. The Board has determined that necessary measures must be taken against the listed TV stations, including their immediate shutdown.”
The watchdog also warned that it may pursue legal action against the stations and their managers for non-compliance, through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
This move is the BCLB’s latest step in promoting responsible gaming in the country. It comes days after it closed down unlicensed betting sites operating in Kenya.
