A new Kenyan law will make gambling more expensive as bettors are required to contribute part of every stake to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and a pension savings kitty.
The Gambling Control Act 2025, which also establishes the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya, aims to tap into the country’s booming Sh150 billion betting industry to support universal healthcare and promote a savings culture.
While punters already face heavy taxes including a 15% excise duty on stakes and 20% withholding tax on winnings the new levy adds another cost to gambling. The government sees this as a way to widen SHIF contributions, though critics say it will burden millions of low-income gamblers.
