Content creators warn of job losses over gambling ad ban
The creators said they are willing to work with the board to find a way forward, but stressed that a total ban was not the solution.
Content creators have warned that the ban on celebrities and influencers from promoting gambling will hurt the digital economy and lead to job losses, as they called for urgent talks with the Betting Control and Licensing Board.
Speaking on Wednesday evening, the creators said they are willing to work with the board to find a way forward, but stressed that a total ban was not the solution.
"We respectfully urge BCLB to suspend the ban and sit with us within 48 hours for discussions on this matter. We are more than happy to engage and negotiate as we hope for a suitable model that ensures responsible advertising via age-restriction content regulations," the content creators said.
They noted that many Kenyans, especially the youth, depend on content creation and influencer marketing for income, and warned that the ban could push them out of work.
"That move not only limits the creative space, but it also leaves many people jobless, and it further questions the work of digital media and fights against the legitimacy of content creation as a profession," one of their representatives said.
"Let us be honest, social media has conquered advertising, and influencers are now at the frontline of modern digital marketing. Our interaction (in the digital space) simply needs to be responsibly managed and not completely abolished," he added.
The remarks come after the Betting Control and Licensing Board, which is under the Office of the President, banned the use of celebrities, influencers, and content creators in gambling advertisements through a notice dated May 29.
The decision took effect on May 30.
The new rules require all gambling ads to be approved by the Betting Control and Licensing Board before being forwarded to the Kenya Film Classification Board for review.
Media outlets must also confirm that ads have approval from both agencies before sharing them.
In addition, the board banned gambling ads near schools, churches, playgrounds, and shopping malls.
All ads must also include the board’s license number, a responsible gambling warning, and the operator’s name and address.
