Content creators have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), demanding that it suspend its recent directive banning celebrities and influencers from promoting gambling activities.
Speaking during a press briefing on the evening of Wednesday, June 4, the creators urged BCLB to initiate dialogue, proposing a consultative approach to resolve the issue.
“We’re requesting BCLB to pause the enforcement of this ban and meet with us within 48 hours. We’re open to discussions and eager to collaborate on a framework that ensures responsible advertising, especially through regulated, age-restricted content,” the group stated.
They acknowledged the pressing issue of gambling addiction in Kenya but argued that a blanket ban would be ineffective. Instead, they advocated for structured regulation rather than outright prohibition.
The creators emphasized their growing impact on advertising and digital marketing, pointing out that their contributions are central to Kenya’s creative economy.
“This decision threatens the digital creative industry, takes away jobs, and undermines the legitimacy of content creation as a viable profession,” one representative said.
“Let’s face it—social media now leads in advertising. Influencers play a vital role in connecting brands with audiences. What we need is proper management, not elimination,” another added.
The controversy stems from a directive issued by BCLB on May 30, which prohibits the use of public figures, social media influencers, and content creators in gambling promotions. The directive, enforced under the Office of the President, dealt a financial blow to many influencers who relied on gambling endorsements as a key income stream.
According to a notice dated May 29, BCLB introduced tougher guidelines aimed at fostering responsible betting and protecting vulnerable populations—especially minors.
Under the new rules:
- All gambling ads must first be approved by BCLB, then forwarded to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for review before airing.
- Media outlets are required to ensure such approvals are in place before distributing gambling content.
- Advertising near schools, religious sites, playgrounds, or malls is strictly forbidden.
- Ads must also display the BCLB license number, a responsible gambling message, and the operator’s name and address.
The directive has sparked significant backlash from the digital creative community, who now await BCLB’s response to their call for dialogue.
