Kenya’s government has reduced the excise tax on betting from 15% to 5% as part of the 2025 Finance Bill, making it cheaper to place bets in the country.Kenya wants to...
Kenya locals against the raise of the gambling age
On July 30, the Parliament of Kenya proposed to raise the legal gambling age to 21. Locals are against the restrictions, believing 18-year-olds are adults.
Kenya’s Gambling Control Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 70 of 2023) set the market’s minimum gambling age at 18, but under new proposed rules, individuals under the age of 21 will no longer be legally permitted to make pari-mutuel bets.
Also discussed in parliament was a minimum betting amount of Ksh50 ($0.39) to prevent youths from excessive gambling activities.
Member for Dagoretti North constituency, Beatrice Elachi, said during the parliamentary proceedings:
“We discourage young people from engaging in [betting], because getting Ksh50 is a bit difficult. It is like these people are so powerful that they can convince the government to pass a Bill that can be shaped into what they want. What we are doing to our young people is wrong.”
Should the latest bill proceed and get the approval of the president, operators who fail to comply with the new gambling age restriction will face severe sanctions.
Locals are unhappy about the incoming restrictions, believing 18-year-olds should be allowed to gamble as they are adults.
Trader at Gikomba market, Machakos, Nairobi, told iGB:
“Adults should be able to have free will when it comes to gambling. If the government believes 18-year-olds are mature enough to go to war, then they are surely mature enough to spend their money on sports if they so wish.”
Another bettor said:
“If 18-year-olds can vote and serve in the military, they should also be allowed to wager, as it’s a matter of personal freedom and consistency with other adult responsibilities. Why can’t they focus on fixing the nation first?”
These are just a few of the reactions that have raised questions about the move’s feasibility. Although the timeline for the bill’s progression is uncertain, the House of Assembly remains committed to its proposal.
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