Ruto implements legislation to control gambling and reorganize road administration bodies
Kenya's gambling and betting industry is about to undergo a significant transformation, following the signing of the Gambling Control Bill of 2023 into law by President William Ruto on August 7, 2025. The new legislation introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework, aimed at modernizing and tightening control over the industry.
The heart of the new regulation is the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya, a corporate body responsible for licensing, regulating, and monitoring all gambling activities across the nation. This includes betting, casinos, prize competitions, public lotteries, and media promotions.
Key aspects of the new regulation include a focus on licensing and oversight, with the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya replacing previous regulators and assuming full responsibility for enforcing compliance and monitoring gambling operations. The new law also establishes concurrent regulatory roles for both the National Government and county governments, ensuring local and national oversight of the sector.
The Bill strongly emphasizes responsible gambling, integrating safe gambling principles to protect consumers from addiction and promote responsible gaming practices. Operators found allowing bets below a minimum bet amount of 20 Kenyan Shillings face a fine of at least 5 million Kenyan Shillings or imprisonment of up to five years.
Another key reform is the introduction of real-time monitoring of gambling activities to enhance transparency and prevent illegal betting practices. Gambling operators are now taxed at 15% of their gross revenue, with proceeds directed to a new Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund, aimed at supporting social and community development projects.
President Ruto highlighted the growing threat of uncontrolled gambling to the social fabric, particularly among the youth, as a driving force behind the new legislation. The move is intended to curb gambling addiction, increase state revenue, and enhance governance and accountability in the industry.
However, the new law does not specify if the three-year term for the heads of key road authorities is consecutive or not. Additionally, there are no provisions for the regulation of online gambling in the Bill.
In a separate development, President Ruto also assented to the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill No. 2 of 2025, focusing on modernizing road authorities' governance. The heads of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) will serve a three-year term, renewable based on performance.
The Gambling Control Bill and the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill No. 2 of 2025 mark significant steps in modernizing Kenya's gambling sector and road authorities' governance, respectively. These laws, which have undergone two years of deliberations and amendments in both Houses of Parliament, are set to bring about substantial changes in these critical areas.
- The new Gambling Control Bill of 2023, signed into law by President William Ruto on August 7, 2025, will not only regulate traditional forms of gambling such as betting, casinos, and public lotteries but also expand its reach to cover media promotions and online gambling, which currently remains unregulated.
- In addition to the Gambling Control Bill, President Ruto also assented to the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill No. 2 of 2025, marking another significant step in modernizing Kenya's road authorities' governance. However, unlike the three-year term for the heads of key road authorities, the new Gambling Control law does not specify whether this term is consecutive or not.
