A Kenyan citizen has taken the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) to court over its recent directive suspending all gambling advertisements across media platforms. In a suit filed under a certificate of urgency at the Milimani Law Courts, John Kipkurui is seeking to have the directive issued on 29 April overturned, arguing that it infringes upon his constitutional rights.
Through Njihia Ganga Advocates, the petitioner claims the ban violates his rights to access information, make informed consumer choices, and express himself through legal participation in betting activities.
Kipkurui contends that the BCLB failed to provide adequate justification or supporting documentation for what he terms a “blanket ban.” He states that as a lawful consumer of licensed betting services, he has long relied on mainstream media, such as radio, television, and newspapers, for betting results.
“The suspension has severely impacted my ability to access betting outcomes and winnings,” reads part of the court documents. “These media platforms were my principal sources of such information.”
The petitioner further argues that without access to these updates, he must now physically visit betting outlets to verify results, an approach he considers unreasonable and inconsistent with the convenience promised by modern, tech-driven betting services.
He also alleges that the continued enforcement of the ban is causing him significant economic loss and urges the court to intervene before he suffers further harm. The matter is awaiting directions before Justice Lawrence Mugambi.
Meanwhile, BCLB Chairperson Dr Jane Mwikali Makau, in a press release issued on 18 May, defended the directive, citing the increasing mischaracterisation of gambling as a shortcut to wealth.
“The Government has noted, with grave concern, the proliferation of gambling activities across the country,” said Dr Makau. “Some gambling promoters are misrepresenting betting as a legitimate investment opportunity, with devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities.”
She also announced the formation of a Multi-Agency Enforcement Team on responsible gambling to curb the adverse socioeconomic impact of the industry.
