Africa-Press – Kenya. MPs have raised alarm over the growing gambling addiction among Kenyan youth, voicing strong support for the newly mediated version of the Gambling Control Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 70 of 2023).
The Bill, which is now at an advanced stage of legislative approval, aims to overhaul Kenya’s gambling sector by introducing tighter regulations on betting, casinos, prize competitions, and public lotteries.
It also proposes the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya, which will replace the existing Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).
Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku, who moved the motion for adoption of the Mediation Committee report, said the new authority will be tasked with overseeing licensing, regulation, and enforcement in the gambling industry.
Thuku warned that gambling had become a serious threat to Kenya’s youth, with many abandoning productive economic activities for a false hope of instant wealth.
“We are dealing with a growing menace that has gone unchecked for too long. The Gambling Authority will be empowered to regulate and rein in rogue operators,” Thuku told the House.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who seconded the motion, criticized the current regulatory framework under the BCLB, saying it had failed to curb the industry’s harmful impacts.
He stressed that the new law must serve as a deterrent, especially for the youth.
“We cannot continue allowing young people to believe that betting is a viable economic activity. The only way to win this fight is through an effective Act of Parliament that promotes productive behavior and discourages gambling addiction,” Ichung’wah said.
Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi called for the introduction of an age limit for gambling, similar to that applied to alcohol consumption.
“We need to build an age limit on gambling in Kenya. Just the way we’ve done with alcohol — that 21 age limit should also apply here,” Elachi said.
She further suggested increasing the minimum amount required to place a bet as a deterrent.
“We discourage young people from engaging in it, because getting Sh50 is a bit hard. If you increase the amount, it becomes harder for youth to participate impulsively,” she argued.
The proposed law also aims to ensure tax compliance by gambling operators and protect Kenyans from exploitative practices that have become common in the industry.
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