Kenya’s gaming industry marked its twentieth year with a notable jump in tax revenue and renewed pledges to tighten responsible betting standards and deepen cooperation with the state.
During an anniversary gathering at Safari Park Hotel, operators, regulators and senior government officials acknowledged the sector’s expanding economic footprint. The Kenya Revenue Authority disclosed that gaming tax collections have climbed by 21 percent compared with the same period last year, crediting the increase to stronger compliance and a revamped tax structure.
Weldon Ngeno, a deputy commissioner in the Large Taxpayers Office, said the rise was largely driven by the new model pushed by the Association of Gaming Operators Kenya, which shifted taxation away from stakes and winnings to deposits and withdrawals. Operators argue that the shift has brought clarity and greater predictability to the system.
National Treasury representative Michael Kagika noted that gaming taxes continue to play a meaningful role in public financing, pointing to securitised cash flows from the Sports Fund that aided the construction of the Talanta Sports Stadium.
Regulation inevitably took centre stage, following the introduction of new gaming laws in August 2025. The legislation established the Gaming Regulatory Authority, replacing the Betting Control and Licensing Board. GRA chair Joseph Kirui Limo said the authority’s elevation to parastatal status places it in a stronger position to create a transparent and orderly market. He affirmed the government’s view of the industry as an important partner and promised closer cooperation.
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AGOK chairman Sasa Krneta stressed that the association aims to unite operators, fight illegal betting and champion responsible gaming. He cited the Chukua Control campaign, a joint initiative with government agencies launched in May to promote safer betting practices nationwide. The campaign offers mental health support, counselling services, a toll-free helpline and an eight-hour call centre, pulling in the Ministry of Health and other bodies to strengthen awareness.
AGOK said it will continue working with the GRA, KRA, the Financial Reporting Centre and other agencies to maintain a secure and credible environment for both licensed operators and millions of Kenyan players.
