The Government of Kenya has announced an immediate nationwide suspension of all gambling advertisements. The directive, issued by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), halts promotional content across all media platforms for a period of 30 days.
The suspension follows concerns over misleading portrayals of gambling as a legitimate investment opportunity, which officials say are contributing to addiction and financial distress, especially among young people.
According to the BCLB, the ban affects all forms of advertisement, including television and radio spots, print media, outdoor billboards, SMS campaigns, social media promotions, and influencer or celebrity endorsements. Of particular concern is the airing of gambling ads during the watershed period (5:00 AM to 10:00 PM), which exposes minors to content that the government views as harmful.
During the suspension period, all licensed gambling operators are required to submit any advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for examination and approval, in accordance with the Film and Stage Plays Act.
Government Targets Unlicensed Foreign Sites, Urges Regulatory Reforms
In addition to the ad suspension, the BCLB outlined new enforcement measures to strengthen regulatory oversight of the gambling sector. These include:
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Urging the National Assembly to fast-track the enactment of the Gambling Control Bill, which will grant enhanced enforcement powers to the regulator.
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Calling on the Media Council of Kenya to finalize and implement new broadcasting guidelines following a recent court ruling.
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Directing the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to block and deactivate all unlicensed foreign gambling websites operating within the country.
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Encouraging the public to report illegal gambling activity to the BCLB or the nearest police station for prompt action.
Multi-Agency Taskforce to Spearhead Oversight
To coordinate and enforce these measures, the government has constituted a Multi-Agency Enforcement Team. The team is tasked with formulating policies and interventions to promote responsible gambling and includes representatives from:
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Ministry of Interior and National Administration
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Office of the Attorney General
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Communications Authority of Kenya (CA)
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Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
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Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
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Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB)
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Media Council of Kenya (MCK)
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Financial Reporting Centre
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Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB)
Upholding Public Welfare
On behalf of the Board, BCLB Chairperson Dr. Jane Mukaili Makau emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding public welfare, protecting young people, and restoring integrity in the gambling sector.
“All stakeholders — including betting firms, media outlets, digital platforms, and telecommunications providers — must fully comply with this directive in the national interest,” she stated.
The government reiterated that it remains firm in its efforts to promote responsible gambling and mitigate the negative social and economic impacts associated with the industry.
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