The Betting and Licensing Board of Kenya was established in 1966 to ensure that gaming is a legitimate consumer pursuit and that the gaming industry makes positive contributions to society in terms of employment and tax revenue. The Board is charged with the responsibility of controlling and licensing of Betting and Gaming premises, facilitation of tax collection, authorization of public lotteries and prize competitions, inspection and elimination of illegal gambling.

At a 2-day workshop in Mombasa, the Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Nancy Kirui commented that in response to the rapid growth of the gaming industry in Kenya the Government will create a task force to regulate casinos. The team would train officers to respond to the changing gaming environment as well as examine the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act to address these changes. The Board must also anticipate and address problem gambling issues.

Nancy Kirui said that operators and regulators should at all times be aware of the need for responsible gambling in order to protect the vulnerable and prevent underage gambling. The task force will undertake modern control methods such as monitoring gambling venues. She also stated that before any new gaming licences or permits were issued the number and location of operations, population and income levels, and social and economic impact of gambling would be assessed. (E-03.25.08)

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