Kenya's Betting Control Board seeks Sh500 million to enhance gambling oversight

The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) in Kenya is seeking Sh500 million to enhance its monitoring of gambling activities across the country. 

This initiative aims to improve oversight and ensure compliance in the growing betting industry. Principal Administrative Secretary Arthur Osiya informed lawmakers that the board struggles to regulate effectively due to limited technology and resources. 

He highlighted that over 80 percent of gambling activities in Kenya occur online, making it harder to protect vulnerable individuals, especially minors. 

The BCLB plans to use the funds to develop a Gambling Central Monitoring System (GCMS) to address these issues. Additionally, the board has made strides in combating illegal gambling by identifying unauthorized websites and confiscating illegal slot machines. 

Despite challenges, the BCLB has generated Sh88.4 billion in taxes over the past five years, though it received only Sh531 million for regulatory purposes. Lawmakers are being urged to pass the Gambling Control Bill 2023 to strengthen the regulatory framework and ensure public protection.