The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has ordered the immediate closure of 23 television stations, including Kameme TV, for violating betting advertisement regulations.
Despite a prior 30-day suspension on betting ads, these stations continued to broadcast betting content featuring payment details and prompts encouraging viewers to participate in gambling promotions
In a statement dated May 5, 2025, and signed by BCLB Director P.K. Mbugi, the board highlighted that the stations defied the suspension by airing unauthorized betting advertisements with on-screen Paybill and Till numbers, urging audience engagement in betting activities.
The violations contravene the board’s directive aimed at protecting consumers, especially youth, from gambling-related harm.
The affected TV stations include Kameme TV, Tohanchane TV, Favour Life TV, Wave Time, Yahweh TV, Goodwill TV, Massa TV, JCDH TV, Swahili TV, Humble Touch, Deliverance TV, Moja One, Ngumbao TV, Naivera TV, Nyumba Itu, Aviation TV, Repower, Happy TV, Jawabu TV, Maajabu TV, Madhabahu TV, Michezo TV, and Venus TV.
The BCLB has called on the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) to enforce immediate sanctions against these non-compliant stations, including shutting them down.
Additionally, Safaricom has been instructed to suspend all Paybill and Till numbers linked to these stations to cut off payment channels for illegal betting promotions. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has also been involved for potential legal action against the promoters behind these broadcasts.
