New Nairobi County bill to ban gaming near schools and homes
Individuals found playing in unlicensed gaming premises will also face penalties.
Kenya.- A new bill proposed in Nairobi City County seeks to fine or imprison business owners who operate shops in restricted areas.
Sponsored by Ngara MCA Chege Mwaura, Nairobi City County’s Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act 2023 aims to amend the county’s current gaming regulations and introduce stricter controls, particularly for gaming machine operators and owners of premises where these machines are located.
The proposed measure prohibits the placement of gaming machines near learning institutions, religious establishments and residential areas. Businesses operating gaming shops near these locations may face fines of up to Sh1 million (€7,009) or five years imprisonment if they are found contravening the law.
Likewise, the bill proposes that anyone who owns, occupies or temporarily uses premises for public gaming without a licence will be committing an offence. If convicted, they could face a fine of up to one million shillings, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
Individuals found playing in unlicensed gaming premises will also face a fine of up to one hundred thousand shillings or imprisonment for up to six months upon conviction.
Mwaura notes that the current national gaming law prioritises taxation over the social implications of gaming. However, the proposed bill will help regulate betting and gaming activities in informal settlements, create jobs and increase revenue collections for the county.
He said: “Close to 80 per cent of the betting in Kenya is happening in Nairobi that is why we are pushing for more public participation this time round, to make the betting companies be compelled to offer psychosocial support to the societies they operate in.”
Under the legislation, the Nairobi City County Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Control Board will be established to oversee licensing and enforce regulations within the county. The board will also regulate prize competitions and public lotteries in the jurisdiction.
Licensing Fees
The new bill also outlines specific tax guidelines for gaming shops and other gaming activities in the county.
Applicants for betting premises licences or those seeking renewal of betting premises will need to pay a total of Sh910,000, which is broken down into a Sh10,000 application fee, a Sh600,000 licence grant fee and an annual renewal fee of Sh300,000.
The measure pegs casino premises licence renewal fees at Sh10,000, with an initial licence grant fee of Sh1.5 million and an annual fee of Sh500,000. Pending consultation with the board and director, a fee of Sh100,000 will apply for transferring gaming premises.
