The authorities in Kenya on Thursday outlined regulatory mechanisms geared towards sanitizing the betting and gaming industry and ensuring that gambling does not become a source of disorder.
The Chairman of the Betting Control Licensing Board Mr. Cyrus Maina, and CEO Liti Wambua in Nairobi presented a report on the state of betting and gaming in Kenya 2019 to internal security Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
Some of the regulations include, banning of gambling on outdoor advertising and social media; advertising gambling between 6am and 10 pm as well as the endorsement by celebrities in gambling advertising.
“The regulations take effect immediately. Any form of advertising will also have to be approved by the board and contain a warning message which must constitute a third of the actual advertisement,” noted the report.
Investors and Betting firms have until the 30th June to comply and meet their tax obligation of face closure.
There will also be a review of the status of work permits for foreigners operating in the sector, with a view of ensuring full compliance with the law.
Addressing the press in Nairobi, Dr. Matiangi reiterated that there would be no going back on the matter as young lives were at stake.
“Rogue behavior in the betting and lotteries industry is endangering the lives of our young people. We have a responsibility to safeguard the future of this country. This cleanup has just started and we will carry it through no matter what it takes, because young Kenyan lives are worth saving,” he added.
According to a GeoPoll 2018 survey, Kenya has the highest number of betting youth in sub-Saharan Africa with at least 76 percent of them having participated in gambling.
The gaming industry total turnover has risen sharply from 2 billion shillings ($19 million) five years ago to 200 billion shillings($199 million) currently, in an industry that directly employs 5,000 people.
JK/as/APA