PRESIDENT RUTO SIGNS GAMBLING CONTROL AND KENYA ROADS BILLS INTO LAW

President William Ruto has signed into law the Gambling Control Bill, 2023 and the Kenya Roads (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2025, marking a significant legislative step in regulating gambling activities and enhancing governance in the roads sector.
The Gambling Control Act replaces the outdated Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act with a more comprehensive framework that regulates betting, casinos, lotteries, prize competitions, and media promotions. The new law establishes the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya, which will be tasked with overseeing the licensing, monitoring, and enforcement of gambling operations across the country.
Importantly, the law recognizes gambling regulation as a concurrent function, allowing both national and county governments to play active roles in policy enforcement.
In a separate move, President Ruto also enacted the Kenya Roads (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2025, which aligns the governance structures of major roads agencies with the Mwongozo Code of Governance for State Corporations. This affects the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and the Kenya Roads Board (KRB).
Under the new law, the Directors-General of these institutions will serve for a three-year term, renewable once, a change aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and performance within the sector.
“These laws are part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional frameworks and streamline service delivery to the people of Kenya,” the president said during the signing ceremony.
The enactment of these laws follows growing public concern over rising gambling addiction and the need for improved infrastructure oversight. Both laws take effect immediately.