Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has announced that the Kenyan government is stepping up its efforts to fight gambling addiction by enforcing stricter laws and regulations.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 23, Mwaura explained that the government, through the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), is working closely with Parliament to review and strengthen current gambling laws.
Mwaura said the BCLB is fast-tracking the Gambling Control Bill, 2023, which aims to modernize the outdated laws that govern betting activities in the country.
This move is largely focused on boosting regulation of online betting platforms, which have grown rapidly and are seen as a major driver of gambling addiction.
He emphasized that the country is witnessing a worrying rise in gambling-related problems. Mwaura revealed that the consequences of gambling addiction in Kenya are serious and far-reaching — leading to loss of property, reduced productivity in workplaces, and even cases of suicide.
To help those struggling with addiction, Mwaura noted that the Ministry of Health has already set up a toll-free helpline — number 719 — where affected individuals can seek counselling and support services.
“The government is deeply concerned about the rise in gambling and betting addiction in Kenya,” Mwaura stated. “We are aware of the damage it is causing and we strongly condemn all illegal betting activities happening in the country.”
His remarks come at a time when many Kenyans, especially on social media, are actively voicing their frustration and calling for tougher controls on gambling. The growing public pressure has prompted authorities to act faster in tackling the issue.
In addition to passing the new legislation, Mwaura revealed that the Ministry of Health will also release new national guidelines aimed at managing and reducing gambling in the country.
These guidelines will be part of a broader strategy to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure responsible gaming practices.
Mwaura also urged the public to remain alert and avoid falling into what he referred to as “fraudulent gambling schemes”, warning that many of these setups have led to serious consequences for individuals and families.
The spokesperson’s statement followed recent controversy over a report that claimed Kenyans spent Ksh766 billion on gambling in 2024 — a figure that sparked widespread concern. On Sunday, April 20, the BCLB responded by calling the claim false and misleading.
The board clarified that the actual tax revenue collected from the gambling sector during the 2024/25 financial year was Ksh22.3 million, a much smaller figure.
They explained that the Ksh766 billion estimate likely included betting activity from unregulated offshore platforms, which do not fall under Kenya’s official gambling oversight.
“The figures reported in the media were wildly exaggerated and could mislead both the public and decision-makers,” the BCLB said in their statement.
“The truth is that the size of the regulated gambling market is much smaller, and many of the inflated numbers likely come from unlicensed foreign platforms.”
In summary, the government is rolling out stronger legal measures, public awareness campaigns, and mental health support services to address the growing gambling addiction crisis in Kenya.
Authorities are determined to protect citizens, especially the youth, from the harmful impact of uncontrolled gambling.
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