Betting firms in Kenya issued new May notice as tax rules tighten
Kenya’s betting giants face a compliance crackdown, with the KRA demanding total tax transparency from both companies and directors before licences can be renewed.
Kenya.- The clock is ticking for betting operators as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) unveils a sweeping compliance mandate that could determine their survival beyond June 30, 2025.
In a public notice issued through MyGov on May 6, the KRA declared that all current licences granted by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) for the 2024/25 financial year must now include a CR12 form. This is a formal corporate ownership record – to verify directors and shareholders. Their iTax profiles must also be updated to reflect this information accurately, down to physical addresses and contact details.
But that’s just the beginning. The KRA also wants proof of filed tax returns and insists that not just companies, but every individual director, be fully tax compliant. No Tax Compliance Certificate equals no licence renewal.
In addition, the authority is tightening its grip through:
- mandatory integration with KRA’s digital platforms
- use of KRA-approved paybill numbers for tax remittance
- real-time data sharing
- full cooperation during audits
- unrestricted access to records and systems
Operating licences are due to expire at the end of June. Renewal will only be granted to operators who meet the tough new checklist of tax obligations and regulatory disclosures.
“Clearance by KRA is a mandatory requirement for renewal of the licences by the BCLB. In this regard, all betting and gaming operators are encouraged to update their tax matters with KRA to avoid any inconveniences,” the authority cautioned.
Cracking down on rogue operators
This regulatory blitz isn’t happening in a vacuum. It comes on the heels of a major crackdown by the BCLB, which recently flagged 58 betting websites for operating illegally and refusing to pay out customer winnings. It further banned gambling advertisements for 30 days on media platforms.
As the government sharpens its tools against tax evasion and fraudulent practices in Kenya’s lucrative betting sector, the message is loud and clear: comply or close shop.
