Ngumbao TV, a beloved Kamba-language broadcaster serving audiences across Lower Eastern Kenya, has been named among 23 television stations shut down by the government in a sweeping crackdown on illegal betting advertisements.
The order, issued by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), comes after the stations allegedly defied a 30-day ban on gambling content and continued airing betting promotions that included pay bill and till numbers—violating broadcasting and licensing rules.
List of Stations Targeted in Operation
Among the affected stations are Kameme TV, Tohanchane TV, Favour Life TV, Yahweh TV, Swahili TV, Deliverance TV, Madhabahu TV, Happy TV, and Ngumbao TV, among others. The move is being described as one of the largest enforcement actions in recent years targeting media platforms accused of promoting unregulated betting.
CAK and DCI Ordered to Act Swiftly
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) has been formally instructed to enforce the shutdowns with immediate effect. In a parallel move, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has been notified to investigate possible breaches of broadcasting regulations and consumer protection laws.
According to the BCLB, over 20 stations named in the enforcement letter continued to broadcast betting promos with direct payment instructions, despite an earlier suspension. The board has further requested the immediate freezing of all associated pay bill and till numbers used in the broadcasts.
“This action is necessary to protect the public from unregulated betting activities and to restore order in the broadcast sector,” said an official familiar with the directive.
Shockwaves in Lower Eastern
The inclusion of Ngumbao TV in the list has sparked concern and confusion among its loyal Kamba-speaking viewers, who rely heavily on the station for entertainment nourishment, regional news, and cultural programming. Many in Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni counties have taken to social media and local forums to express their disappointment,
“This station has been part of our daily life. Shutting it down without a clear warning is devastating,” said a resident of Makueni.
Selective Enforcement?
The decision has also reignited debates about fairness and transparency in media regulation, with critics arguing that vernacular and faith-based stations are often treated more harshly than mainstream outlets.
“While regulation is important, enforcement must be consistent. We need to see the same energy applied to major players who break the law,” noted a media policy analyst.
It remains unclear whether Ngumbao TV and other affected stations will seek legal redress or comply quietly. As investigations proceed, the broader conversation about betting, media freedom, and the role of government oversight is expected to intensify.
