Super-Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has announced he will close all betting firms, much to the chagrin of “investors.”
The straight-shooting CS noted that betting sites had overtaken the youth, and that its proliferation has to be curbed.
Tax compliance
In the new arrangement, no betting company will be allowed to conduct its business from July 1 without proof of tax-compliance.
To legalize the new proposal, Matiang’i said a tax compliance bill will soon be presented in Parliament.
Matiang’i spoke on Monday during a meeting withthe Betting Control and Licensing Board.
Taking advantage of Kenyans
He said some betting companies take advantage of Kenyans.
Matiang’i also raised concerns over advertisements of betting companies, calling upon the Communication Authority of Kenya to review the regime.
The CS said up to 76 per cent of youths in Kenya are involved in gambling.
Forward me the report!
The CS has also directed the Betting Control and Licensing Board to scrutinise all companies and forward a report in a month.
Last year, the government announced a uniform tax of 35 per cent on gross gaming income on all sectors of the industry.
The previous taxes prior to January 1, 2018 were: lottery (5 per cent), sports betting (7.5) and casino (12).
Tax raise
Rotich had proposed the taxes be raised from 7.5 per cent (betting), 12 per cent (lottery) and 15 per cent (gaming) introduced in the Finance Act 2016 to a uniform tax rate of 50 per cent.
KRA commissioner general John Njiraini told the National Assembly on February 21 that the agency collected about Sh4.7 billion in corporate tax from betting firms in the last three financial years.