This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
On August 19, 2019, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) implemented a 20% tax on betting winnings, sparking outrage among Kenyans.
The tax, which applies to both the stake and win, has been met with resistance from betting enthusiasts who claim it is 'daylight robbery'.
Some have taken to social media to express their discontent, with one user threatening to stage a protest by defecating outside KRA offices.
Others have vowed to join offshore betting firms, where they can use PayPal to make online payments.
One user lamented, 'The manner in which the Government is handling the betting industry in Kenya is appalling, shocking and disastrous.'
Another user fumed, 'Why should I place a bet, win then KRA come to literally loot 20 per cent of both my stake and win? If KRA feels so jealous, why can't it place its own bet?'
Some have also questioned the government's interpretation of 'winnings', with one user asking, 'Do 'winnings' include my stake in an online wallet?'
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Kenyans are not happy with the new tax and are willing to take action to express their discontent.
