A new betting, lotteries and gaming act has recently been approved in the capital of Kenya, Nairobi. This act was approved by the Nairobi City Council Assembly and will see a new local regulatory gambling body and specific license fees across county.
Under the act
This act was bought forward by the Nairobi City Council Assembly and was enacted on the 6th of May 2021. The act outlines the inclusion of different forms of gaming as eligible for public lotteries and prize competitions. This is in order to enforce a 10% entertainment tax on the gross proceeds of betting, lottery, and gaming activities in Nairobi. Anyone who wishes to operate betting, lottery and gaming activities in the county will now have to require a license under the new act. Once a license has been granted it will be valid for one year from the date of issue. Anyone who wishes to make an application for the license must lodged it to the Nairobi City County Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Control Board director.
License fees
The cost of a public lottery is license is to be granted for KSh4,000,000 (£26,199/€30,449). There will also be an additional KSh1,000,000 (£6,549/€7,612) application and renewal fee on top of this. For betting premises, the license grant fee stands at KSh600,000 (£3,929/€4,567) with an application and renewal fee of KSh10,000 (£65/€76). Whereas for gaming and casino premises, the license grant fee is KSh1,500,000 (£9,825/€11,418), while the application and renewal fee is KSh10,000 (£65/€76). The Nairobi City County Deputy Governor, H.E Ann Kananu, stated “This act is aimed at providing for the implementation of National Government policy, standards and norms in relation to betting, lotteries and gaming in the county.” Confirming that the act will be extremely beneficial for the Kenyan capital.