The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued fresh directives to all Television (TV) and FM Radio broadcasters regarding the adherence to betting, lottery and gambling regulatory requirements.
CA Director General David Mugonyi in a letter dated April 23, 2025, addressed to broadcasters highlighted that the Authority has noted an increase in the number of complaints raised by consumers regarding betting, lottery and gambling content that is aired on TV and radio broadcasting stations.
According to Mugonyi, the Authority has observed that programming concerning betting, lottery and gambling activities for most broadcasting stations exceeds the approved quota in the program schedule.
He cited that it is in contrary to the provisions in the Licence Conditions, Programming Code and Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.
“The Authority draws your attention to Sections 461(1)(a). (c) and (i) of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, which requires licensees to provide responsible and responsive programming that caters for the varied needs and susceptibilities of different sections of the Kenyan community; observe standards of good taste and decency; and ensure that advertisements either in terms of content, tone or treatment are not deceptive or are not repugnant to good taste,” read part of the letter.
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Govt orders TV & Radio stations to reduce betting content
CA further cited the FM Radio and TV Licence Condition on Adherence to the Programme Code and Complaints Handling Procedure as well as the requirements with respect to Protection of Children; Advertisements; and Betting, Lottery and Gambling as stipulated in Clauses 4, 11 and 12.3 of the Programming Code.
In turn, the regulator directed TV and radio stations to remedy these contraventions by reducing betting, lottery, and gambling content within 14 days from the date of the notice.
The broadcasters must also adhere to the provisions in the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998: Licence Conditions and Programming Code.
CA warned that the broadcasters face license revocation for exceeding approved quotas.
“The Authority will take enforcement action against a broadcaster who fails to remedy these contraventions in line with Section 83A (1) of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998; and/or revoke the licence as per Sections 46J(a) and (b) of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998,” the letter adds.
Also Read: Govt Responds to Kenyans Spending Ksh 766 billion on Betting
Govt responds to Kenyans spending Ksh766 billion on betting
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) had earlier in the week addressed the growing concern over what has been termed a gambling “pandemic” in the country.
This came following reports suggesting that Kenyans spent Ksh766 billion on gambling in 2024 and that they bet Ksh24,000 per second, amounting to Ksh2.1 billion daily.
According to a GeoPoll report titled Betting in Africa 2024, Kenya led in betting participation, with at least 82.81 per cent of adults engaged.
BCLB Chairperson Dr. Jane Mwikali in a statement on Sunday, April 20, however debunked the Ksh766 billion figure recently reported in the media—roughly equivalent to 31 per cent of national revenue—calling it a myth.
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