Kenya: official report suggests replacing sports betting operators with government-run national lottery

The Building Report Initiative (BBI) released on Wednesday in Kenya has recommended abolishment of betting in the country.

The report presented in presence of President Uhuru Kenyatta at Bomas of Kenya proposes that Kenya’s sports betting operators “be replaced with a government-run national lottery whose proceeds, as is the case in other countries, are used for activities that uplift the youth, sports, culture and other social activities beneficial to citizens.”

The report further claims that private betting industry “is leading to hopelessness and greater poverty.”

Kenyatta launched the much-awaited report in Nairobi on Wednesday at an event graced by about 5,000 delegates. Deputy President William Ruto, opposition leader Raila Odinga, and Tanzania's Foreign Affairs Minister Palagamba Kabudi were also present.

The report is, however, silent on what should happen to the Sports Fund, which currently performs the same role as the lottery. 

The government has increased taxes and imposed stiff rules on betting in recent times, leading to the closure of giant firms SportPesa and Betin, rendering hundreds of Kenyans jobless. Several sports entities including Kenyan Premier League clubs Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, Kenya Premier League and Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) have suffered as a result of SportPesa's closure. Athletes have not been paid their salaries for months, according to Daily Nation.

The BBI recommendations come at a time when the government is struggling to renovate and build new sports stadiums in the country. Despite repeated promises by President Kenyatta, the government has also struggled to fund national teams competing in international assignments. It has also found the going tough after failing to raise enough resources to and pay athletes allowances.

The BBI team collected opinions from some 7,000 citizens drawn from all ethnic groups, genders, cultural and religious practices, and different social and economic sectors which were considered in compiling the 155-page report which ultimately aims to unite and empower Kenyans towards fulfilling their potential.