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Kenya鈥檚 long-awaited Gambling Control Bill 2023 has reached its final hurdle before it becomes law.
The bill, which regulates betting, casino games and other forms of gambling as well as introduces a new gambling regulator, the Gambling Authority of Kenya, is currently waiting for Presidential assent, according to the latest bills.
It follows the report of the Mediation Committee, which was adopted by the National Assembly on July 31, 2025, the same day an of the bill was published in a supplementary order paper.
A day prior, the National Assembly debated the bill.
Kimani Ichung鈥檞ah, the Majority Leader, said, 鈥淲e must have laws like this that discourage irresponsible gambling. It is okay to gamble and bet for the first time, but it cannot be every day of your life. It cannot be usual that many radio and TV stations were free to encourage the public to bet from as early as 5am.鈥
On May 30, 2025, the Kenyan Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) published new guidelines for gambling advertising, following an April 2025 order from the BCLB to temporarily suspend all gambling advertisements across all media platforms for a period of 30 days, in response to growing concerns around addiction and underage gambling.
Another issue highlighted by lawmaker James Nyikal is the rules surrounding the age limit to gamble, as the only age limit in the proposed bill currently relates to under-18s only being able to use an amusement machine without the presence or permission of their parent or guardian.
鈥淚f passed the bill will need to be amended in six months to have an age limit of those who can gamble, sanction on operators who allow young people below the age limit to gamble and a limit to increase the minimum amount one can gamble so that it is out of reach for the young people,鈥 according to Nyikal.
National assembly member Beatrice Elachi suggested the age limit should be set at 21 years old, the same as alcohol.
She also argued that the minimum amount to place a bet should be increased to SH50 ($0.39) to discourage excessive betting.
Stakeholders are now waiting to see if and when the President signs off on the bill, which will likely happen in the coming weeks.
