Kenya film regulator calls for responsible gaming advertising practices at Nairobi summit
Muluka’s remarks come as Kenya considers tighter controls on gambling advertising.
Kenya.- Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) acting chief executive officer Nelly Muluka has called on stakeholders in the gaming sector to balance commercial interests with consumer protection in advertising, with a focus on protecting minors and other vulnerable groups.
Muluka made the remarks during a panel session titled “Stakeholder Dialogue and Advertising – How Much Is Enough?” at the Gaming Tech Summit Africa held in Nairobi on June 4, 2026. She said the gaming industry plays an important economic role but stressed the need for responsible advertising practices in line with legal requirements.
She noted that gaming advertisements fall under KFCB’s regulatory oversight and are subject to classification to ensure they are age-appropriate before public release.
Muluka also urged parents and guardians to monitor children’s exposure to gaming and gambling-related content and to guide their viewing and online activities.
KFCB, a state agency established under the Films and Stage Plays Act (Cap 222), is responsible for regulating audio-visual content, including advertisements, to promote safe consumption for children and vulnerable groups.
Muluka’s remarks come as Kenya considers tighter controls on gambling advertising under proposed rules from the Gaming Regulatory Authority of Kenya (GRAK), formerly the Betting Control and Licensing Board. The draft regulations would ban betting companies from using celebrities, social media influencers, or major winners in their advertising campaigns.
The proposed framework would also prohibit marketing that presents gambling as a source of income or links it to financial success. Violations could attract fines of up to KES 20m (€134,165), prison terms of up to 20 years, or both.
The Gaming Tech Summit Africa brought together stakeholders from Kenya and other African countries to discuss regulatory frameworks and emerging issues in the gaming technology sector under the theme “Building Africa’s Sustainable and Scalable Gaming Tech Industry.”
