Communications Authority of Kenya has issued a notice to all broadcasters and radio stations to adhere to Betting and Gambling regulatory requirements. Stations that fail to comply with the directive within the 14-day timeframe risk having their broadcasting licenses revoked.
In a notice signed by CA Director General, David Mugonyi, the Authority has noted with concern, the rising number of complaints from consumers regarding excessive betting-related programming on both TV and FM radio stations.
The Communications Authority of Kenya brings to attention Section 46(1)(a), (c), and (i) of the Kenya Information and Communication Act 1998, which mandates that licensees observe standards of good taste and decency, provide responsible and responsive programming that addresses the diverse needs and susceptibilities of various Kenyan communities, and make sure that advertisements are neither deceptive nor offensive in terms of content, tone, or treatment.
The FM Radio and TV License Condition on Adherence to the Program Code and Complaints Handling Procedure, as well as the requirements for the protection of children, advertisements, and betting, lottery, and gambling as outlined in Clauses 4,11 and 12.3 of the Programming Code, are also brought to attention by the Authority.
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According to the Authority, most broadcasting stations’ programming pertaining to betting, lottery, and gambling activities surpasses the authorized quota in the schedule, which is against the terms of the Kenya Information and Communications Act of 1998, the Programming Code, and the Licence Conditions.
A broadcaster who disregards these violations will be subject to enforcement action by the Authority under Section 83A(1) of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, and/or have their license revoked in accordance with Sections 46(a) and (b) of the same Act.
