Gambling companies directed to submit ads for approval by KFCB after ban
Move comes after the Betting Control and Licensing Board announced the suspension all gambling advertisements for the next month
The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has instructed all gambling companies to obtain licenses for all recorded audiovisual gambling advertisements through its Technical Management System (TMS) available on their website.
The regulatory body has emphasised that the media is prohibited from airing unclassified gambling advertisements on their platforms, by the Films and Stage Plays Act, Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya.
In the enforcement directive by KFCB, itreiterated that all gambling advertisements must be licensed and classified before being aired, adding that they hold media companies accountable for ensuring that the advertisements they broadcast are compliant.
“Media companies are DIRECTED not to air unclassified gambling advertisements on their platforms in line with the Films and Stage Plays Act, Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya following the directive from the Executive Office of the President through the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB),” They said in a statement to the Press.
“Acquire Filming Licenses for their recorded audiovisual advertisements from the KFCB through the Technical Management System (TMS) available on our website and submit the said advertisements to the KFCB for classification and issuance of a Certificate of Approval,” they added.
The directive by KFCB comes after earlier today, the Betting Control and Licensing Board announced the suspension all gambling advertisements for the next month in a move to tackle the growing addiction crisis.
While making the statement over the same, BCLB Chairperson Jane Mwikali also announced the formation of a multi-agency team to come up with stronger controls aimed at promoting responsible gambling and protecting the public.
“The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) hereby orders the immediate suspension of all gambling advertisements and testimonials across all media platforms for thirty (30) days with effect from the date of this statement,” Mwikali said in a statement.
The ban will cover radio and TV ads, social media, newspapers, billboards, SMS, email campaigns, and celebrity or influencer promotions.
All the licensed operators have been ordered to stop the advertisement activities and submit any gambling ads to the Kenya Film Classification Board for approval.
They have also been requested to comply with all relevant laws and take steps to promote responsible gambling.
According to BCLB, some promoters have been presenting gambling as a fast path to wealth, drawing in vulnerable groups, including minors.
The multi-agency enforcement team will bring together officials from several key government bodies, including the Ministry of Interior, Office of the Attorney General, Communications Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya Film Classification Board, Media Council of Kenya, Financial Reporting Centre, and BCLB itself.
The team will be responsible for formulating policy recommendations and enforcement strategies to ensure that gambling practices are safe and regulated.
