In a move that has captured national attention, the Kenyan government has directed Safaricom to suspend paybill and till numbers for 23 television stations. According to the BCLB, the listed stations continue to promote unauthorized betting advertisements despite an earlier 30-day suspension of such content.
Details of the Directive
The suspension order affects 23 TV stations, including Kameme TV, a popular regional broadcaster. The directive requires Safaricom to disable the paybill and till numbers used by these stations, effectively cutting off their primary revenue streams.
According to the government, this move ensures that broadcasters adhere to licensing requirements and financial laws. The CAK argues that non-compliance threatens the integrity of the media industry and the rights of consumers.
In a statement dated Saturday, May 10, 2025, the BCLB stated that the violations include airing payment details (till numbers and paybills) on-screen and encouraging viewers to participate in promotions for a chance to win.
“Safaricom PLC is requested to suspend all associated tills and paybill numbers with immediate effect. The Board also copies this letter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations with a view to having the promoters brought to book,” read part of the statement.
The 23 TV stations named for non-compliance include:
- Kameme
- Tohanchane TV
- Humble Touch
- Wave Time
- Yahweh TV
- Goodwill TV
- Massa TV
- JCDH TV
- Swahili TV
- Favour Life TV
- Deliverance TV
- Moja One
- Ngumbao TV
- Naivera TV
- Nyumba Itû
- Aviation TV
- Repower
- Happy TV
- Jawabu TV
- Maajabu TV
- Madhabahu TV
- Michezo TV
- Venus TV
Safaricom’s Role in Kenya’s Economy
As the leading telecommunications company in Kenya, Safaricom plays a pivotal role in the country’s digital economy. Its M-Pesa platform has transformed financial transactions, enabling businesses and individuals to send, receive, and save money effortlessly.
With over 658,700 Lipa Na M-Pesa tills, Safaricom has cemented itself as a cornerstone of Kenya’s financial ecosystem. The platform’s contribution to the economy is immense, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that rely on mobile payments for their daily operations.
Financial and Operational Impact
Financial Disruption
The directive has a significant financial impact on the affected stations. For many media houses, paybill and till numbers are their lifelines, enabling them to collect payments from advertisers and viewers. Their suspension creates an immediate cash flow problem, threatening the sustainability of their operations.
Read: VAT on Commercial Property Sales in Kenya
The Regulatory Landscape
Role of the Communications Authority of Kenya
The CAK is responsible for licensing and regulating broadcasters in Kenya, ensuring they comply with established standards. Over the past year, the CAK has intensified its enforcement efforts, revoking licenses for non-compliant entities.
Between April and November 2024, the CAK revoked the licenses of 75 broadcasters, citing regulatory breaches. These included failures to meet licensing conditions and financial obligations. Some licenses were also voluntarily surrendered by broadcasters
