President William Ruto yesterday assented to two important bills the Gambling Control Bill, 2023, and the Kenya Roads (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2025 in a major move towards improved regulation and governance in vital sectors.
The Gambling Control Bill sets up a strict legal framework to manage the betting industry, casinos, lotteries, prize competitions, and media-driven promotions. The bill is centered on responsible gambling and establishes the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya, which will be tasked with licensing and overseeing gambling activities throughout the nation.
In a notable shift, the law renders gambling a shared function of the National Government and county governments. This will have both levels fully engaged in regulation, improving coordination and oversight in the industry.
Gambling has taken a worrying trend, especially among our young people, posing a serious threat to our social fabric. To ensure that it does not become a menace to the society, we have taken a comprehensive approach that strikes a balance between the cost and benefits of gambling, Ruto noted during the signing at State House, Nairobi.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill seeks to align the governance of national road agencies with the Mwongozo Code of Governance for State Corporations. Directors-General of key institutions KeRRA, KURA, KeNHA, and the Kenya Roads Board will under the new law hold office for a period of three years, renewable once.
This Mwongozo alignment is geared towards enhancing accountability in leadership, enhancing performance, and ensuring good governance in road infrastructure management.
The term of office is intended to enhance performance and promote good governance in the management of the road authorities, which is the practice for all state corporations, the Bill notes.
The two new laws are expected to bring greater order, efficiency, and integrity to both the gambling and transport sectors in Kenya.
