Kameme TV, a leading vernacular broadcaster in Kenya, faces the threat of closure after being implicated among 23 television stations accused of violating regulations regarding betting advertisements. The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has charged these stations with disregarding a directive that prohibits gambling ads, highlighting a troubling trend where many media outlets, including Kameme TV, increasingly rely on gambling promotions rather than traditional advertising for financial sustainability.
In a statement issued on May 5, 2025, BCLB Director P.K. Mbugi announced the decision to shut down the stations for failing to comply with a 30-day suspension on betting advertisements. As a result, Kameme TV is now under scrutiny, raising significant concerns about its business practices and strategies for survival.
Kameme TV Gambling Ads Keep Running Despite Ban
The BCLB revealed that Kameme TV and other listed stations continued to air gambling ads with payment prompts even after the suspension order took effect last month. Instead of stopping the broadcasts, the stations intensified their gambling-related content, encouraging viewers to send money for a chance to win.
“Following the Board’s recent press statement announcing a 30-day suspension of betting advertisements, it has come to our attention that several media outlets continue to run unauthorized betting promotions,” the statement read.
The BCLB accused the stations of openly displaying paybill numbers and asking viewers to participate in betting games. This directly violates the board’s suspension guidelines, which prohibit any betting-related promotions during the suspension period.
Industry experts say Kameme TV’s reliance on gambling ads signals a troubling shift in its revenue model. With declining advertising revenues, Kameme TV has increasingly turned to betting companies willing to pay hefty fees for airtime.
This overdependence raises ethical and legal concerns, especially since these ads often reach vulnerable groups like minors.
Full List of Stations Facing Immediate Closure
Kameme TV is not the only station under fire. The BCLB listed 23 stations that face immediate closure for the same violation. The stations are: Tohanchane TV, Favour Life TV, Wave Time, Yahweh TV, Goodwill TV, Massa TV, JCDH TV, Swahili TV, Humble Touch, Deliverance TV, Moja One, Ngumbao TV, Naivera TV, Nyumba Itu, Aviation TV, Repower, Happy TV, Jawabu TV, Maajabu TV, Madhabahu TV, Michezo TV, and Venus TV.
The BCLB has urged the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to take swift regulatory action. It has also forwarded the matter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for possible legal action against those behind the unauthorized broadcasts.
“The Board has determined that necessary measures must be taken against the listed TV stations, including their immediate shutdown,” the statement added.
Kameme TV Faces Uncertain Future Amid Gambling Ban
For Kameme TV Gambling operations, the looming shutdown is a serious threat to its financial stability. If the station goes off-air, it could lose advertisers, audience trust, and critical revenue streams. Staff layoffs are likely, and its parent company may suffer major losses.
Media analysts warn that Kameme TV’s heavy reliance on gambling promotions has left it exposed to regulatory risks. Unless the station finds alternative revenue streams, its future remains shaky.
As of now, Kameme TV and the other affected stations have not issued official responses to the BCLB’s allegations. Industry observers are closely watching for the next move by the Communications Authority and whether the threatened closures will actually be enforced.
This latest crackdown marks a major turning point in Kenya’s fight against illegal betting promotions and a wake-up call for media houses prioritizing short-term gains over regulatory compliance and ethical broadcasting.
