Kenya to debate new gambling legislation

Lawmakers in Kenya will discuss new gambling legislation next week that could severely hurt betting companies in the country.

Kenya.- The gambling landscape may soon change in Kenya as lawmakers will debate proposed legislation. Gambling Bill 2019, drafted by the National Assembly Sports, Culture and Tourism Committee, would repeal current regulations, passed in 1966.

Committee chair Victor Munyaka explained Kenya’s new gambling legislation is meant to seal the numerous loopholes in the industry. He said the 170 clauses documented in the proposals will address addiction, to protect the youth.

“These proposals will seal most of the gaps in the existing law,” Munyaka said. “They will deal with and cure many of the concerns raised by Kenyans about an unregulated, uncontrolled and carelessly operated industry with many far-reaching negative effects to millions of citizens.”

“The proposed repeal is informed by the fact that the existing legislation is archaic in nature and fails to address the modern-day challenges facing the betting and gaming industry especially during this era of internet connectivity,” he said.

The lawmaker explained the proposals “will develop mechanisms for transparency in the gaming industry. Will do so through a real-time monitoring system that will attract full tax disclosures and gaming patterns by the government.”

The bill includes a requirement for companies to pay ­€875k and €262k when they enter the market.