The government has addressed the recent media reports that Kenyans spent Ksh.766 billion on gambling last year.
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) dismissed the claims as inaccurate.
According to the BLCB Chairperson Jane Mwikali Makau, taxes related to the gambling sector, which comprise gaming and betting, excise duty on stakes, and withholding tax on winnings, totalled Ksh23.3 billion in the 2023/24 financial year.
Makau argued that the Ksh.766 billion spending, about 31 percent of the national revenue, was inaccurate.
“This misleads policymakers and the public on the economic reality of licensed operators,” she stated.
She added that the betting industry directly employs over 10,000 Kenyans and supports over 500,000 livelihoods indirectly as well as contributes to community projects under corporate social responsibility.
“It reflects robust but regulated growth. These figures underscore both the popularity of licensed gambling and the critical imperative for continued strong oversight. The oversight is set to be strengthened by passing into law the Gambling Control Bill, 2023, which is in the legislative process,” she further stated.
