14.4% of urban residents engage in gambling in Kenya

The 2024 Finaccess Household Survey reveals a growing perception of gambling as a potential income source among younger, urban, and educated individuals. The survey indicates that 11.2% of respondents are actively engaged in betting, with participation notably higher in urban areas at 14.4% compared to 8.9% in rural regions.

The highest engagement is observed among young males aged 26 to 35, where 15.2% reported involvement, followed closely by those aged 18 to 25 at 14.3%. Overall, respondents spent an average of Ksh 1,825 on gambling, with urban residents averaging Ksh 2,125—significantly more than the Ksh 1,481 spent by their rural counterparts. Males also outspent females, with averages of Ksh 1,876 and Ksh 1,623, respectively.

The findings suggest that optimism about gambling as a viable income opportunity is particularly prevalent among younger demographics. The survey highlights a perception rate of 13.4% among those aged 18 to 25 and 12.7% among those aged 26 to 35, indicating a trend that could shape the future of gambling in Kenya as mobile technology continues to facilitate access to betting platforms.