Broadcasting authorities in Kenya issue warning to television and radio stations, demanding they stop airing excessive gambling advertisements or face penalties.

Broadcasting authorities in Kenya issue warning to television and radio stations, demanding they stop airing excessive gambling advertisements or face penalties.

🇰🇪 Kenya's Media Stations Face Crackdown Over Excessive Betting Adverts 🛑

📢 The Comm. Authority of Kenya (CAK) has given local media a 14-day ultimatum to cut down on broadcasting gambling content. Breaking rules could lead to license revocation. 📺🔓

❌ Multiple broadcasters have been pitched for breaking CAK's limits, prompting the stern warning. 💥📝

Here's a lowdown on the situation:

📜 Regulatory Clampdown:

• The CAK, telegraphed a firm stance to license-holding broadcasters on April 28, 2025, mandating compliance with betting and gambling regulation requirements within a fortnight or face the consequences.
• The directive is grounded in Section 46(1) of the 1998 Kenya Info & Communication Act, which emphasizes programming must adhere to good taste, decency, and responsible content tailored to Kenyan communities.
• Failing to comply could result in regulatory action, including possible revocation of broadcast licenses.

📺 Content Limitations:

• The CAK spotlighted stations exceeding approved quotas for gambling content in their schedules.
• Broadcasters must follow Clauses 4, 11, and 12.3 of the Programming Code, which set limits on betting-related content and safeguards for children.
• Pending legislation, such as the 2023 Gambling Control Bill, is expected to introduce stricter rules, including restricted broadcasting hours and banned youth-targeted promotions.
• Advertising standards require ads to avoid deceptive or offensive content, with a focus on preventing minors from gambling promotions.

🔒 Enforcement Tools:

• In an effort to uphold regulations, the CAK is collaborating with the Betting Control & Licensing Board (BCLB) for real-time monitoring and audits of operators.
• Defying the regulations may lead to license revocation under Sections 46(a)-(b) and 83A(1) of the Act.

This clampdown on excessive betting advertising aims to tackle gambling addiction and establish ethical broadcasting practices. 🤝📡👍

1. The Comm. Authority of Kenya (CAK) has warned local media stations in Kenya, particularly those broadcasting sports-betting content, that they have 14 days to comply with betting and gambling regulation requirements or risk having their licenses revoked.
2. In recent times, multiple broadcasters in Kenya have been penalized for exceeding the approved quotas for gambling content in their schedules, a practice that goes against Clauses 4, 11, and 12.3 of the Programming Code.
3. The 2023 Gambling Control Bill, currently pending legislation, is expected to introduce stricter rules for sports-betting advertisements, including restricted broadcasting hours and bans on youth-targeted promotions.

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