Why Govt Wants To Shut Down Kameme & 22 TV Stations
The media houses blatantly ignored a 30-day ban on betting advertisements and kept pushing gambling content with payment details front and centre.
Marvin Chege 
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has declared that 23 TV stations — including big names like Kameme TV — are set to be shut down immediately for breaking rules on betting advertisements.
In a statement dated May 5, 2025, and signed by BCLB Director P.K. Mbugi, the board said these channels kept airing gambling promotions with payment instructions, even after being told to stop.
The statement added that the media houses blatantly ignored a 30-day ban on betting advertisements and kept pushing gambling content with payment details front and centre.
“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 unauthorised betting promotions,” the statement read.
A person on an online betting platform. /STANDARD DIGITAL
The BCLB has called on the Communications Authority (CA) to swiftly crack down on the media outlets that failed to comply, in line with its mandate.
The board also stressed that the violations involve showing payment information on-screen and encouraging viewers to join promotions to win prizes — actions that breach the suspension rules.
The list of affected TV stations include, and prominently, Kameme TV under Kijabe Street-based Mediamax Networks Limited, which also owns Kameme FM and K24 TV. Others include Tohanchane TV, Favour Life TV, Wave Time, Yahweh TV, Goodwill TV, Massa TV, JCDH TV, Swahili TV, and Humble Touch.
Stations also mentioned are 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 Board has determined that necessary measures must be taken against the listed TV stations, including their immediate shutdown," it stated.
The BCLB also stated that it has forwarded the letter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), asking them to pursue legal action against those behind the unauthorised broadcasts.
“The board is actively monitoring TV and radio broadcasts and has identified specific TV stations engaging in these unauthorised activities,” the statement added.
The looming closure of the 23 TV stations signals a significant crackdown on illegal betting ads, highlighting the government's firm stance on enforcing rules within the media and gambling industries.
This comes after the BCLB ordered an immediate suspension of gambling advertisements and testimonials across all media platforms in the country for a period of 30 days.
So far, the media outlets in question have yet to respond to the accusations, as stakeholders closely watch to see what steps the Communications Authority (CA) will take next.
