Kenya’s digital content creators have strongly opposed the Betting Control and Licensing Board’s (BCLB) recent 30-day suspension of all gambling advertisements, particularly the blanket ban on influencer and celebrity endorsements.
The Digital Content Creators Association of Kenya (DCCAK) is urging the BCLB to adopt a more inclusive and consultative approach to regulation, arguing that excluding influencers undermines the industry’s role in promoting responsible betting.
On April 29, 2025, BCLB chairperson Jane Mwikali announced the suspension, citing rampant exposure of gambling ads during watershed hours and concerns over their portrayal of betting as a shortcut to wealth. The board said the ban was necessary to protect minors and vulnerable individuals from addiction.
Under the new guidelines, gambling adverts must be vetted by both the BCLB and Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) and are prohibited from using influencers, celebrities, or content creators. Ads are also restricted from being aired near schools, churches, or areas frequented by children, and must carry responsible gambling messages.
In response, DCCAK chairman Bob Ndolo criticised the move, saying influencers were not consulted despite being key players in the digital advertising space.
“We support regulation, not silencing,” Ndolo said. “Banning influencers disregards the professional responsibility many of us uphold. We want to be part of the solution.”
DCCAK maintains that its members have always promoted licensed operators and adhered to local and international advertising standards. The association is calling for urgent stakeholder engagement involving the BCLB, the Office of the Attorney General, and other regulatory bodies.
