Taming Addiction: Media Houses Ordered to Cut Down on Betting Adverts Within 14 Days
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has ordered all radio and television broadcasters to reduce betting, lottery, and gambling content within 14 days.
In a stern statement, CA Director General David Mugonyi says any station that fails to follow the directive within 14 days from the date of the letter could lose its broadcasting license.
“The purpose of this letter is therefore to notify all broadcasters to remedy these contraventions within 14 days from the date of this letter and adhere to the provisions in the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998: Licence Conditions and Programming Code,” the CA Director General’s statement reads in part.
“The Authority will take enforcement action against a broadcaster who fails to remedy these contraventions in line with Section 83A(1) of the Kenya Information and Communications Act,1998; and/or revoke the licence as per Sections 46J(a) and (b) of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998,” Mugonyi emphasized, and raised concerns over the growing number of consumer complaints about gambling content being aired.
“The Authority has noted, with concern, an increase in the number of complaints raised by consumers regarding betting, lottery and gambling content that is aired on Television (TV) and FM Radio broadcasting stations,” the letter stated.
