Kenya’s president has taken a hardline approach to the gambling industry. In light of recent changes to gambling laws in the country, we examine whether there could be more reforms on the horizon.
Betting is immensely popular in Africa, especially amongst young adults. According to a recent report released by GeoPoll, 79% of Kenyans had tried some form of gambling, second only to South Africa at 83%.
An overwhelming 94% of those placing bets did so using smartphones, highlighting the huge role that mobile devices continue to play in shaping betting behaviours on the continent. Against this backdrop, Kenya has decided to take action.
Kenya’s president, William Ruto, has taken a tough stance on addressing the gambling industry. In a recent speech made at the Moiben Constituency of Kenya, Ruto stated that due to the severe financial and social impacts of betting, the government is drafting fresh regulations to oversee the gambling industry more stringently.
In his address, the president took issue with the industry, saying:
“We are creating regulations for gambling because many people are depressed. Five million people are a very large number. It cannot be allowed to continue everywhere. We cannot continue like this as a nation.”
The president’s speech comes in the wake of several recent changes to the way gambling is regulated in the country.
The outdated Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act was replaced by the Gambling Control Act in August 2025, which then established the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) to replace the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). This brought about a uniform 15% tax rate and mandated stricter licensing and advertising control.
Measures to tighten control of gambling advertising and tougher identity verification rules have also been instituted.
There is a newly implemented industry legislation outlines a more stringent set of guidelines for gambling operators to follow when advertising their casinos and sports books.
Introduced in June 2025, advertisers must refrain from glamorising betting or using celebrities, influencers, or content creators to endorse or promote gambling. There are also strict time limitations as to when gambling ads may be aired.
Call-to-action messages are prohibited, as well as depicting gambling as a source of income. Responsible gambling messages and a warning that players must be aged over 18 must accompany all advertising.
It is worth noting that Kenya, is also incredibly progressive, being one of a small number of regulatory bodies to adopt a pro-crypto casino stance.
Kenyan authorities have already made considerable inroads in addressing concerns related to gambling, but it is clear that the Kenyan president believes that more needs to be done. Only time will tell if further regulatory tweaks are the solution.
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