Eight TV channels have been penalised KSh 500,000 ($3,869) each by the Communications Authority of Kenya. They aired banned betting advertisements, violating earlier guidelines. In a statement on Monday, 26 May, the authority made it clear that broadcasters must settle the fine within 12 hours. Failure to comply will lead to stricter actions, including possible license revocation.
Repeated violation of gambling ad restrictions
The Communications Authority had earlier halted all gambling ads on broadcasting platforms. However, during the second week of May 2025, several stations still ignored the directive during a compliance check.
“Although there were clear orders to stop promoting all gambling-related content, the authority discovered during a review in May 2025 that some broadcasters were still airing this banned material. This action violated sector laws and directives.
As a result, and in accordance with Section 83A of the Kenya Information and Communications Act of 1998, the authority issued a public notice. They decided to fine eight broadcasters KSh 500,000 ($3,869) each for airing promotions for unlicensed price competitions. The broadcasters were also given 12 hours to stop all broadcasts that broke the rules or face harsher penalties like having their licenses taken away,” the statement shared with TUKO.co.ke reads.
Immediate deadline for payment
Broadcasters have 12 hours from receiving the notice to pay the $3869 fine. If they fail to do so, they risk facing stricter actions. The CA clearly warned that it will take immediate action if broadcasters fail to pay their penalties. Those measures could interrupt broadcasts and even revoke licences.
Licence issues found to be more widespread
CA’s investigation into licence issues has found violations by 33 broadcasters, with eight of them being penalised. The flagged stations include Yahweh’s Media Services Limited and its connected outlets, which have faced criticism before for airing unapproved material. Despite repeated questions, the CA did not reveal the names of the eight broadcasters it fined at the time of reporting.
Earlier warnings to shut down stations
/This action continues CA’s effort to crack down on illegal gambling promotions. Just a few weeks ago, the watchdog warned 23 TV stations that they might shut them down for breaking the same rules on advertising. After conducting its investigation, the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) pushed for these measures when it discovered many violations.
BCLB pointed to Kameme TV and Aviation TV as candidates for possible closure and even mentioned that station managers could face legal charges. Despite these warnings, eight broadcasters still ran banned gambling ads, and the authorities fined them.
Rules behind the crackdown and the legal setup
issued the fines based on Section 83A of the Kenya Information and Communications Act of 1998. This section grants the CA authority to punish broadcasters who fail to follow content rules. The violation relates to promotions involving “unlicensed price competition,” such as contests that award cash prizes or encourage betting without proper permits.
The CA and the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) worked together to order the halt of gambling advertisements. This was part of their effort to address the growing spread of betting promotions on media platforms. Officials claim frequent ads contribute to gambling addiction and bring adverse effects.
Effects on gambling companies
Television stations deal with fines, but betting companies face different challenges. has issued a directive for 180 licensed betting firms to renew their licenses for the 2024-2025 financial year by Monday, 30 June. So far, 97 companies have completed this renewal process.
The KRA states that firms missing this deadline will be “blocked from trading.” This move is part of a broader effort to enforce tighter controls on Kenya’s fast-growing betting industry.
Reactions on what could come next
People in the industry have shared different opinions about the situation. Broadcasters believe that the suspension of ads and penalties could hurt their earnings, as many are still trying to recover from recent economic challenges. On the other hand, CA says enforcing the rules strictly is essential to serve the public interest and follow the law.
Experts believe this firm approach by the regulator may prompt stations to comply with the rules more quickly. TV channels airing betting ads without proper licences now have a tough decision to make: either stop the ads or risk heavy fines and even losing their licences.
At the same time, the eight unnamed stations must choose to either pay the fine within 12 hours or take legal action to contest it. With clear laws in place and previous cases as examples, most observers predict that these stations will pay to avoid harsher punishments.
Safeguarding audiences and maintaining rules
CA’s decisions highlight the ongoing struggle between business goals and rules meant to protect. Gambling ads can bring big money to media companies, but unchecked promotions can lead to harm, like promoting addiction and reaching at-risk groups.
By adhering to its rules, CA aims to make it clear that no broadcaster can disregard the law. The regulator says it will keep a close watch on broadcasts and is ready to impose additional fines or revoke licenses if banned content continues to appear.
To reassure Kenyan viewers, the fines demonstrate that systems are in place to regulate reckless advertising. As CA and BCLB push harder with their actions, the fate of betting ads on Kenyan TV remains uncertain. A single mistake might lead to a station losing its licence and facing serious legal or money troubles.
