Govt orders Safaricom to suspend paybill and till numbers for 23 TV Stations
This action follows the stations' continued airing of unauthorized betting ads, despite an earlier 30-day ban.
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has instructed Safaricom to suspend the paybill and till numbers for 23 TV stations.
This action follows the stations' continued airing of unauthorized betting ads, despite an earlier 30-day ban on such content.
In a statement released on May 10, 2025, the BCLB highlighted violations including the display of payment details (paybills and till numbers) on-screen and the promotion of betting offers encouraging viewers to participate for a chance to win.
"Safaricom PLC is requested to suspend all associated till and paybill numbers with immediate effect. The Board also copies this letter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations with a view to having the promoters brought to book," read part of the statement.
The list of TV stations affected by the Betting Control and Licensing Board's directive includes Kameme, Tohanchane TV, Humble Touch, Wave Time, Yahweh TV, Goodwill TV, Massa TV, JCDH TV, Swahili TV, Favour Life TV and Deliverance TV.
Others are Moja One, Ngumbao TV, Naivera TV, Nyumba Itû, Aviation TV, Repower, Happy TV, Jawabu TV, Maajabu TV, Madhabahu TV, Michezo TV, and Venus TV.
Additionally, the Board has called on the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to swiftly act against the non-compliant media houses, emphasizing that enforcement falls within its regulatory mandate.
The BCLB further announced that it has resolved to escalate action against the listed TV stations, including recommending their immediate closure for continued non-compliance.
The Board’s statement follows its recent announcement of a 30-day suspension on all gambling advertisements and endorsements across media platforms, which took effect on April 29, 2025.
The BCLB raised alarm over the growing prevalence of gambling in the country, accusing some promoters of falsely presenting it as a viable investment option and a quick path to wealth.
The Board cautioned that such portrayals are misleading and contribute to negative socio-economic impacts on individuals, families, and communities.
Citing its mandate under the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act (Chapter 131, Laws of Kenya), the BCLB ordered an immediate 30-day suspension of all gambling advertisements and testimonials across all media platforms.
The directive, effective from the date of the statement, applies to all licensed gambling operators and encompasses all forms of advertising and promotional campaigns.
