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Kenya’s Ministry of Health has outlined the government's response to its “deep concern” about increasing gambling addiction in the community, particularly among young people, “driven by the popularity of online gambling platforms such as Aviator”.
The ministry urged caregivers to remain vigilant and protect children, warning in a letter on Monday (April 21) that “many young Kenyans are falling to severe gambling addiction, leading to financial distress, mental health deterioration, and, tragically, incidents of suicide”.
Public health principal secretary Mary Muthoni's letter continued: “In response to this emerging public health threat, the ministry has constituted a rapid response team to provide a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach to the crisis.
“The response includes the establishment of a dedicated helpline for individuals affected by gambling addiction.”
Kenya’s government estimates that 17 percent of the population aged 15 to 65 years are “grappling with some form of substance use disorder”.
The ministry said it will support a multi-agency study to assess gambling addiction prevalence and its impact on society to inform future policy.
Counsellors will also be deployed to learning facilities to provide support, and a public awareness campaign will educate communities about the risk of online gambling.
Additionally, ongoing Social Health Authority (SHA) reforms will cover rehabilitation and addiction, including gambling, in a healthcare benefit package, meaning the government will cover costs.
Muthoni called on operators to “adhere strictly to existing laws and ethical standards” and on technology companies to “strengthen controls and promote responsible gambling”.
She also called on media outlets to report on gambling responsibly, while requesting educational institutions to introduce a gambling and addiction curriculum, and religious institutions and organisations to offer guidance and community-based support.
Big Changes Could Hit The Market Soon
The Gambling Control Bill 2023 is still under the Mediation Committee's review, as per the latest status update from the Kenyan parliament's bill tracker on April 11.
However, earlier this week, National Assembly member Martha Wangari said the Mediation Committee should finish its work within 30 days, demanding that it either be disbanded or reach a conclusion “so that we deal with this gambling menace as it is”.
The bill was referred to the Mediation Committee after its Senate-amended version was rejected by the National Assembly on January 16, according to a tracker update on March 14.
The bill would regulate betting, casinos and other forms of gambling, including online gambling, and establish a new Gambling Regulatory Authority, replacing the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).
In a recent statement shared with local media, BCLB chair Jane Makau said that regulatory oversight will be “strengthened” by passing the bill into law.
Makau also warned that consumer behaviour is shifting following the introduction of new gambling fees at the end of last year.
On December 27, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024 came into effect, increasing the excise duty on betting, gaming, prize competitions, lotteries (excluding charitable lotteries) and fees charged on advertisements on the internet and social media to 15 percent.
“The sector is projected to generate Sh20bn (€135m) in 2025. This includes excise duty, withholding tax, and betting and gaming tax. It reflects robust but regulated growth,” Makau said.
