NAIROBI, Kenya Aug 1 – The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has decried low budgetary allocations to support its activities following increased illegal gambling both online and land-based.
Appearing before the National Assembly departmental committee on administration and interior security regarding the budget implementation, the board’s director, Peter Mbugi, revealed that the board has been generating more revenue for the government despite low budgetary allocations.
In the 2023/2024 financial year, the board generated Sh256 million as revenue despite receiving a budgetary allocation of Sh109 million, including salaries.
Mbugi highlighted the need for adequate funding to facilitate staffing in different specializations and constant staff training and exposure to ensure a well-regulated gaming industry across the country.
“Hon Chair, the Boards overall goal is to have a well-regulated gaming industry that can guarantee; Public protection, Revenue generation, Responsible gambling and Investment growth and Development of the Gaming Industry in Kenya. This goal can be achieved by providing the requisite support,” said Mbugi Director BCLB.
The Board called for heavy investment and deployment of technology, including kitting and tooling, to facilitate real-time monitoring of gambling activities.
“More than 80 percent of gambling activity in Kenya today just like in many countries in the world is online and less brick and mortar. Given this scenario, deployment of adequate technology is the only sure way to adequately monitor and effectively regulate the industry,” added Mbugi Director BCLB.
The Licensing Board also urged Parliament to pass the enacted Gambling Control Bill 2023 into law to facilitate the transformation envisaged in the industry.
The bill now before the Senate will provide a strong legal framework for the betting industry.
BCLB raised revenue through the issuance of licenses and permits totaling over Sh.894 million in the last 5 years.
It further facilitated the recovery and collection of taxes in the industry totaling to Sh.88.4 billion over the same period.
