Kenya’s Digital Content Creators Association Slams Ban on Influencer Gambling Promotions

A Kenyan trade union has expressed discontentment with the local gaming regulator’s lack of consideration for the opinion of key industry stakeholders when making important decisions. This comes as Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) just released a directive prohibiting the use of influencers, celebrities, and content creators in all forms of gambling ads.

The DCCAK Was Unhappy That the Ban Wasn’t Consulted

The Digital Content Creators Association of Kenya (DCCAK), a body promoting the rights of the creators of digital media, was unhappy with the recent ban on promotional gaming content featuring celebrities and even more unhappy with the BCLB’s approach.

For context, the new rules banned ads featuring celebrities and demanded that all gaming ads be reviewed by the BCLB and the Kenya Film Classification Board before being allowed to air. The ban furthermore prohibited ads near schools, shopping districts and temples.

The DCCAK claimed that the regulator introduced this ban suddenly and without consulting major industry stakeholders first. The ban was generally not well received by local content creators despite the BCLB’s claim that it would shield the youth from gambling harm.

The regulator insisted that it was necessary to stop the promotion of gambling as an easy and attractive way to become rich and argued that gambling ads and content featuring celebrities usually send the wrong message to the youth.

Still, the DCCAK firmly disagreed with the way the matter was handled.

DCCAK Opposed the Ban

In an official statement, Bob Ndolo, chairman of the DCCAK, criticized the BCLB’s sudden decision to ban gaming promotions featuring celebrities without hearing the opinions of other players in the sector.

We were not consulted, yet we remain a significant and legitimate player in the advertising and creative economy.

Bob Ndolo, chair, DCCAK

Ndolo furthermore argued that members of the DCCAK never glamorize gambling, nor promote it as an easy and quick way to get rich. Instead, he said that when used correctly, influencers can promote gaming ethically and without fostering unnecessary harm.

Ndolo and the DCCAK agreed that regulation is important but rejected the BCLB’s complete ban. The union asked the BCLB to reconsider its new directive and instead introduce regulations that have been consulted with industry stakeholders.