New Kenyan Gambling Act to Mandate Social Health Insurance

News Updated: 04 November 2025 13:07 EAT

BY MICHAEL WACHIRA

The Kenyan government has proposed a significant new bill to control the gambling sector, aiming to reduce addiction while bolstering social welfare funds. Under this proposed Gambling Control Act 2025, gamblers will be mandatorily required to contribute a portion of every stake towards the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and potentially a social retirement benefit.

This major policy shift is being spearheaded by the recently established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya.

The new law gives the recently formed Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya, which replaces the former Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), the power to draft and implement the new savings policies.

A report by Business Daily indicates that the authority is currently in the process of formulating the specific regulations. The Act explicitly states:

“The Authority (Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya) shall develop policies for placing bets for betting, lotteries, and gambling that include a savings component for social health insurance or social retirement benefit,” the Gambling Control Act 2025 says.

This mandatory levy will be built directly into the stake, meaning it will directly impact the minimum bet amount. While the current minimum stake on many platforms is Sh20, punters will now need more funds in their betting accounts to cover both the intended bet and the new compulsory saving.

Beyond SHIF and pension contributions, the move is intended to generate revenue for various other sectors, including sports, arts, and the social development fund, which will benefit public welfare.

The move has reportedly been applauded by citizens who view it as a necessary measure. Concerns have been raised that excessive betting has caused significant harm, citing issues like family breakups and suicides among gamblers who lose their stakes. Forcing mandatory contributions is viewed by proponents as a way to ensure citizens plan their finances accordingly and avoid reckless wastage, while simultaneously increasing enrollment in the universal health coverage scheme.