On Monday, February 19, Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) commenced enforcing a court order issued by the High Court at Nairobi. The order kicks against the use of the speed dial features on internet browsers, mainly the Opera mini browser and Google.
This action was taken following an earlier petition submitted by the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) on betting services becoming accessible to all age groups. They stated that betting firms used the ‘speed dial’ feature to target Kenyan internet users without restrictions.
Earlier, on February 16, BCLB director Peter Mbugi wrote a letter to all gaming operators to follow the directives stipulated by the board, as failure to do this will cause court charges against them.
He said: “We make reference to the Board’s circular REF: BCLB 8/71 VOL.1 (157) dated August 11, 2023, on the use of the ‘speed dial’ feature on the internet browsers. We further refer to a court order issued by the High Court at Nairobi in the above-stated matter on January 16, 2024. This is, therefore, to direct that you immediately cease using the ‘speed dial’ feature on all internet browsers”.
Speaking further, Mbugi stressed the legal actions against those who fail to comply with the directives. “Failure to comply with the board’s directive shall lead to the commencement of the necessary processes as stipulated under Section 4 (1) (b) of the Betting Lotteries and Gaming Act, CAP 131 of the laws of Kenya in compliance with the order issued by the High Court. Be informed accordingly,” Mbugi cautioned.