This archive report was first published on 1 July 2019.
On July 1, 2019, Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i issued a directive for betting firms to undergo a fresh vetting process. In response, the Betting Control and Licensing Board has taken action against various casinos, lotteries, and betting firms.
The board has postponed the renewal of operational licences for 13 casinos, six lotteries, and eight betting firms until the vetting exercise is completed.
Additionally, the board has declined the renewal of operational licences for 19 betting companies awaiting crucial security vetting of their operations and hierarchy.
As part of the government's efforts to regulate the sector, the availability, accessibility, and affordability of all forms of gambling will be controlled.
This includes bookmaking (betting), public gaming (casinos), and public lotteries, making it harder for the public to access all forms of gambling.
The government's move aims to enforce responsible gambling and restrict access to underage gamblers.
Furthermore, the government has tightened the operational requirements for betting firms to curb mushrooming companies that rob Kenyans of their hard-earned money.
According to a statement from the Interior Ministry, an indiscriminate sustained vetting exercise will be conducted, cutting across all gaming categories.
"The authorities shall not hesitate to debar non-compliant operators in any category," the statement read.
