This archive report was first published on 4 September 2021.
Kenya's Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has taken a significant step in regulating the country's betting industry. In a crackdown aimed at curbing rampant betting and gaming in the broadcasting space, the Board suspended 81 pay bill numbers for various unauthorized radio and television promotions over an eight-month period ending in August 2021.
According to BCLB Director Peter Mbugi, the suspension took place between December 2020 and August 2021. Mbugi emphasized that these activities by the media have a harmful impact on the public, especially children.
While citing the economic effects brought forth by COVID-19, Mbugi decried that a majority of radio stations had resorted to exploitative and unauthorized gambling to remain afloat. The Board is working with the Communication Authority (CA) to establish harmonized guidelines and procedures relating to adverts and programming on gaming aired by radio and television stations.
CA has also initiated engagements with the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) to address the issue of appropriate classification of gaming-related programming, including adverts. KFCB is in the process of rolling out sensitization programs for various stakeholders on gambling.
Members of the National Assembly are also considering amendments to the Gaming Bill 2019 to tighten the law on betting and gaming activities in the country. The amendments aim to protect children who are more susceptible to the harmful gaming activities.
