Govt. bans importation of gaming machines

Businessmen seeking to start gambling businesses will in future have to seek clearance from the Ministry of Interior.

This as the government moves to crackdown on the growing number of illegal gambling establishments across the country.

In a notice, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has banned the importation of gaming equipment, machines and devices used for gambling.

“Kenya Revenue Authority wishes to notify all importers, customs agents and the general public that the government has stopped importation of all gaming equipment, machines and devices forthwith,” the revenue authority said.

According to the Betting Control and Licensing Board, there are over 30 licensed gambling companies in the country, with others operating outside the confines of the law.

Illegal gaming machines have been installed mainly in housing estates charging players as little as Sh10 with payouts of up to Sh500.

The National Police Service has over the last three months arrested owners of gaming establishments and seizing the machines.

“Any further information of such gaming devices must have express clearance from the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government,” the taxman stressed.