Nairobi County is set to introduce stringent regulations for the gambling industry with the Nairobi City County Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act, 2023. Sponsored by Ngara MCA Chege Mwaura, the proposed law aims to curb illegal gambling activities and introduce tough penalties for offenders. If passed, the law will see businesses or premises used for public gaming face fines of up to Sh1 million or imprisonment for up to five years, particularly if they are located near schools, religious institutions, or residential areas.
The bill seeks to establish the Nairobi City County Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Control Board, which will be tasked with licensing all betting, gaming, and lottery activities within the county. This follows the county’s push to regulate the gambling industry more effectively, especially in informal settlements, where such activities have flourished. Mwaura explained that nearly 80 percent of Kenya’s betting activities occur in Nairobi, and the bill’s aim is not just regulation but also ensuring betting companies contribute to the well-being of local communities by offering psychosocial support.
Under the proposed law, gaming machine operators and owners of premises used for gambling are the primary targets. Individuals who operate or permit unlicensed gaming activities could face hefty fines or jail terms, with a conviction leading to fines up to Sh1 million or five years of imprisonment. In contrast, individuals found gambling in unlicensed premises could face fines of up to Sh100,000 or six months in jail.
The bill also proposes significant fees for licensing gaming premises, including Sh10,000 for application or renewal, Sh600,000 as a grant fee, and an annual fee of Sh300,000. Additionally, casinos are required to enhance local neighborhoods, support tourism, and promote employment opportunities for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
This new regulation is expected to create jobs, improve revenue collections, and better manage the social impacts of gambling in Nairobi, as the county aims to curb illegal gaming while promoting responsible gambling practices.
