The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has dismissed claims that it has turned a blind eye to the exploitation of Kenyans through unlicensed gambling-related promotions.
In a statement released Monday, the CA clarified that it had already taken enforcement action before a damning exposé by NTV titled #SacredSwindle.
The investigative report revealed how some broadcasters have been running gambling-linked promotions without proper authorisation, raising concerns over consumer protection and regulatory enforcement.
The Authority said it had identified licensing violations by 33 broadcasters, including several mentioned in the NTV investigation.
“In line with the stipulated regulatory procedures, the Authority issued Notices of Violation on March 13, 2025, to all the 33 broadcasters airing unlicensed gambling-related promotions,” the CA stated.
To curb the trend, the CA issued a sector-wide advisory on April 23, 2025, directing all broadcasters to cease gambling-related advertisements.
Just days later, on April 29, the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) followed with its own directive, suspending all gambling ads for 30 days.
That same day, the CA escalated enforcement by issuing suspension notices to all broadcasters who had failed to comply.
However, despite these measures, the Authority said its review conducted in the second week of May revealed that some broadcasters continued to air the banned content in “blatant disregard of sector laws and directives.”
As a result, the CA invoked Section 83A of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, and initiated penalties of Sh500,000 against eight non-compliant broadcasters.
These broadcasters were also given a 12-hour ultimatum to halt all unauthorised gambling-related promotions or risk further sanctions, including license revocation.
“The Authority remains steadfast in promoting responsible
broadcasting while protecting consumers,” the statement read. “We appreciate
the role of investigative media in bringing to light issues of public interest
in the ICT sector.”
The incident has triggered a wave of public concern, especially around the vulnerability of Kenyan audiences—many of whom are drawn into unregulated gambling schemes under the guise of prize competitions aired by popular media outlets.
