CAK Statement on Sacred Swindlers Expose by NTV

Response to the Exposé on NTV titled “Sacred Swindlers” Aired on May 25, 2025

The Communications Authority of Kenya has taken note of the recent exposé by NTV Kenya titled "#SacredSwindle," which highlights concerns regarding the exploitation of Kenyans through unlicensed gambling-related promotions by various broadcasters, in violation of existing regulatory directives.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is the regulatory authority for the communications sector in Kenya, and is responsible for facilitating the development of the information and communications sectors including; broadcasting, cybersecurity, multimedia, telecommunications, electronic commerce, postal and courier services.

The Authority is committed to upholding the integrity of the communications sector and ensuring that all licensed entities, including broadcasting licensees, operate within the regulatory framework.

We acknowledge the gravity of the allegations highlighted in the exposé, and the concerns regarding the exploitation of religious platforms to advance unregulated betting promotions disguised as faith-based initiatives.

The Authority wishes to inform the public of the following:

i. Prior to the expose, the Authority through its continuous license monitoring efforts, had identified license violations by 33 broadcasters, including but not limited to Yahweh’s Media Services Limited and its affiliate stations, which are the subject of the NTV expose.

ii. In line with the stipulated regulatory procedures, the Authority issued Notices of Violation on March 13th, 2025 to all the 33 broadcasters airing unlicensed gambling-related promotions.

iii. On April 23rd, 2025 the Authority issued a sector-wide advisory to all broadcasters to cease all gambling-related advertisements.

iv. On April 29th, 2025, the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) issued a directive suspending all gambling advertisements for 30 days.

v. On the same day, the Authority issued a suspension notice to all the non-compliant broadcasters with regard to all gambling-related advertisements.

vi. Even with the directives to suspend advertising of all gambling related content, a review by the Authority in the second week of May 2025 revealed the continued airing of such prohibited content by some broadcasters, in blatant disregard of sector laws and directives.

vii. Consequently, in line with Section 83A of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, the Authority instituted a notice to issue a penalty of KShs. 500,000.00 to eight (8) non-compliant broadcasters for airing unlicensed price competition promotions, with a 12-hour ultimatum to cease all non-compliant broadcasts or face additional sanctions, including license revocation.

The Authority is committed to promoting responsible broadcasting while protecting consumers and appreciates the role of investigative media in bringing to light issues of public interest in the ICT sector.

The CA reminds broadcasters that in the exercise of the constitutional guarantee of freedom of the media, they have a duty of care to their audiences, responsibility to upholding the rule of law, and contributing to the greater national good.