The government has moved to shut down 23 television stations, including the well-known Kameme TV, for allegedly breaking betting advertisement rules.
This action was announced by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), which stated that these stations violated a recent ban on betting-related broadcasts.
In an official statement dated May 5, 2025, and signed by BCLB Director P.K. Mbugi, the board revealed that the TV stations continued to air betting advertisements with clear payment prompts, even after the board had issued a 30-day suspension on such content.
The BCLB explained that despite being warned, the affected stations went on to promote betting services.
They included messages encouraging viewers to participate in gambling by displaying payment information and instructions on how to join betting promotions. This is in direct violation of the suspension guidelines.
“After issuing a press statement suspending betting advertisements for 30 days, we have observed that a number of media outlets are still broadcasting illegal betting promotions,” the statement said.
The board has now requested the Communications Authority (CA) to take swift and firm action against these non-compliant stations in line with its regulatory role.
The board further stated that the violations were serious because the stations continued to show mobile payment details and encouraged the public to engage in betting activities to win rewards, despite the clear directive to stop such advertisements.
Among the 23 television stations facing immediate closure are:
- 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
- Venus TV
“The Board has concluded that strict measures, including the immediate shutdown of the listed stations, are necessary to address these continued breaches,” the statement declared.
Additionally, the BCLB has copied the notice to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), urging them to begin legal proceedings against those behind these unauthorized betting broadcasts.
The board emphasized that it is closely monitoring both TV and radio content to identify any further violations.
The recent decision represents a bold step by the government to clamp down on illegal betting promotions and enforce discipline in both the media and gambling sectors.
So far, none of the affected stations have released official responses regarding the accusations. Meanwhile, media industry watchers and the public are keenly awaiting further actions from the Communications Authority, which is expected to act based on the BCLB’s recommendations.
This crackdown highlights the government’s firm stand on betting regulation and its commitment to ensuring that broadcasters operate within the law.
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