The licensed gaming industry in Kenya paid more than KSh 24 billion in taxes during 2024, according to the Association of Gaming Operators Kenya (AGOK). This marks a significant increase from KSh 5.7 billion recorded in the 2021/22 financial year.
AGOK attributes the surge in tax revenue primarily to enhanced compliance enforcement and improved revenue tracking, rather than an expansion in the number of operators or increased tax rates.
Economic Impact and Employment
The sector directly employs over 10,000 Kenyans across various roles such as software engineering, compliance, customer service, and data analytics. Additionally, an estimated 500,000 people benefit indirectly from the industry, including agents, suppliers, media personnel, and transport providers.
Community and Sports Investment
In 2024, gaming operators invested approximately KSh 1 billion in sports sponsorships and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Funding has supported FKF Premier League clubs, national teams, women’s football, rugby, hockey, marathon events, and the Safari Rally. Community projects have included borehole drilling, educational support, and donations of medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Responsible Gambling and Regulation
AGOK, in partnership with Kenya’s gambling regulator, has implemented the “Chukua Control” responsible gambling campaign. The initiative won awards for promoting safer gambling, with its second phase targeting bettors during the 2026 FIFA World Cup using digital platforms to encourage responsible betting behaviour.
The sector is adapting to the new Gambling Control Act 2025, which replaced a colonial-era law and established the Gambling Regulatory Authority to oversee online betting and gaming operations. AGOK has actively participated in the authority’s public consultation process.
Kenyans seeking responsible gambling support can contact the national helpline at 1190 or visit agok.co.ke/chukua-control.
