Ruto reveals how govt is planning to stop gambling menace
By Joel Masibo, August 7, 2025President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling the growing threat of gambling in Kenya, particularly among the youth, terming it a serious risk to the nation’s social fabric.
Taking to his official X account on Thursday, August 7, 2025, after assenting to the Gambling Control Bill and the Kenya Roads (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2025, the Head of State emphasised that gambling had taken a worrying trend and needed urgent and effective intervention.
His sentiments come at a time when the government has banned all gambling-related advertisements on both mainstream and social media platforms aimed at regulating the habit.
“Gambling has taken a worrying trend, especially among our young people, posing a serious threat to our social fabric,” the President stated, underscoring the urgency of regulation in a sector that has seen exponential growth in recent years, largely due to digital platforms.
”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. Assented to the Gambling Control Bill and the Kenya Roads (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2025, State House,” Ruto continued.
The new Gambling Control Bill provides a robust framework for regulating betting, lotteries, and gaming activities in Kenya. It aims to address rising concerns about gambling addiction, underage gambling, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Among its key provisions are stricter licensing requirements, enhanced enforcement mechanisms, and public education campaigns on the risks of gambling.
Efforts to curb gambling menace
President Ruto noted that the government had taken a comprehensive approach to ensure that gambling does not become a menace to society. This includes striking a balance between the economic benefits that the industry brings and the social costs it imposes, particularly on the youth.
The bill also provides for the establishment of a Gambling Regulatory Authority that will oversee all gaming operations and ensure compliance with national standards. It will also fund initiatives for addiction treatment and recovery, as well as public awareness campaigns.