Broadcasters given 14 days to cut betting programmes

TV and radio stations have been given 14 days to reduce betting, lottery, and gambling content or face possible licence revocation, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has announced.

In a statement, CA Director General David Mugonyi said the Authority had received an increase in complaints from the public regarding the amount of betting-related content aired on television and radio stations.

"The Authority draws your attention to Sections 461(1)(a), (c) and (i) of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, which requires licensees to provide responsible and responsive programming that caters for the varied needs and susceptibilities of different sections of the Kenyan community; observe standards of good taste and decency; and ensure that advertisements either in terms of content, tone or treatment are not deceptive or are not repugnant to good taste," Mugonyi said.

The Authority noted that many broadcasters had exceeded the approved quotas for betting, lottery, and gambling content, going against Licence Conditions, the Programming Code, and the law.

Additionally, the Authority said that broadcasters had breached provisions relating to protection of children, advertising standards, and complaints handling procedures under their FM Radio and TV Licence conditions.

Mugonyi directed all broadcasters to correct the breaches immediately, warning that the Authority would take strict action against those who fail to comply.

"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," he said.

The Authority has made it clear that protecting public interest and maintaining responsible broadcasting standards remain a top priority.