Kenya’s top media companies have been ordered to stop broadcasting gambling advertisements with immediate effect, in a bold move by the government to address growing concern over youth addiction and mental health.
The directive, which applies to all TV and radio stations, follows sustained public pressure and parliamentary debate over the normalisation of betting in mainstream media.
The Ministry of Interior issued the ban through a letter sent to leading broadcasters, citing “public interest” and the “protection of children and vulnerable groups” as the primary motivations.
“This is about the well-being of our nation,” said Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki in a press briefing. “Gambling is becoming a national crisis, and we cannot stand by while our youth are consumed by it.”
The Rise — and Fallout — of Betting Culture
Gambling has exploded in popularity in Kenya over the last decade. Sports betting, in particular, has become deeply entrenched in daily life, especially among young people. A 2023 report by the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) found that over 70% of university students had placed a bet in the past year.
Concerns have grown that relentless advertising — often scheduled during primetime hours or aired around live football matches — has fuelled addiction and financial strain.
“I lost everything in a year — savings, friends, even my job,” said James Otieno, a 27-year-old recovering betting addict in Nairobi. “And it started with a harmless-looking ad during a football game.”
Industry Pushback
The betting industry has not taken the move lightly. Some operators argue that the government’s action is both abrupt and economically harmful, pointing to the advertising revenue it brings to local broadcasters and the taxes the sector generates.
“It’s a slippery slope,” said a senior executive at one major betting firm, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “You can’t criminalise advertising without due consultation. This affects jobs, investment, and innovation.”
Media houses, too, are bracing for a financial hit. With gambling firms among the biggest advertisers in Kenya, the directive could disrupt revenue streams for outlets already facing declining print sales and changing viewer habits.
Public Sentiment and Political Pressure
Still, the ban appears to have wide public support. Faith-based groups, educators, and mental health advocates have long warned of the consequences of unregulated gambling ads.
“We see young people coming in with depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts — often tied to betting losses,” said Dr. Wanjiku Ndirangu, a psychologist based in Nairobi. “The link between advertising and risky behaviour is clear.”
Several MPs have also been pushing for tighter laws, citing concerns over underage gambling and the use of airtime to promote platforms seen as predatory.
What Happens Next
It remains unclear how long the suspension will last or whether it will be followed by wider regulatory reform. The Communication Authority of Kenya and the Betting Control and Licensing Board are expected to issue further guidance in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, broadcasters have begun pulling gambling slots from their line-ups, with some stations already confirming compliance.
As Kindiki put it, “We must put lives before profits. If we must re-examine our media ecosystem to save our future generations, then so be it.”
For now, the reels have stopped spinning — on air, at least. The national conversation, however, is only just beginning.
