Kenya’s KRA urges betting and gambling operators to use ADR to resolve tax disputes without going to court

KRA says Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) lets taxpayers engage directly with the authority to reach an amicable settlement, cutting time and litigation costs—an option it highlights for disputes connected to betting, gaming and lotteries.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has encouraged taxpayers—including betting, gaming and lottery operators—to use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a practical way to settle tax disagreements without going through lengthy court or tribunal processes. In a public message, KRA stressed that “not all tax disputes have to end up in court” and said ADR creates space for direct engagement to reach an agreed outcome.

KRA’s ADR framework is positioned as an additional route within Kenya’s tax dispute process, aimed at reducing case backlogs while promoting voluntary compliance. The authority explains that ADR is designed for disputes where dialogue can realistically narrow issues—helping both sides avoid uncertainty associated with full litigation.

For the gambling sector, KRA’s messaging matters because the industry often faces disputes around betting tax, withholding on winnings, and other gaming-related obligations, where assessments can be challenged and reconciled through structured negotiation. KRA also maintains dedicated public guidance pages for betting, gaming and lottery tax, indicating the authority is trying to keep the sector’s compliance pathways clear and standardized.

Operationally, KRA states that taxpayers seeking ADR should submit a completed ADR application form together with supporting documents to the Tax Dispute Resolution Office (with details and resources provided through KRA’s ADR portal).

The push suggests KRA wants more disputes resolved through settlement mechanisms rather than years of litigation—especially in sectors with high transaction volume like betting—so that tax positions can be clarified faster and compliance can be enforced more consistently.