Ruto Signs Gambling and Roads Bills into Law
The Kenya Roads Bill is one component of concerted efforts to ensure that agencies of public infrastructure are operated under clear guides and measures
The Kenya Roads Bill is one component of concerted efforts to ensure that agencies of public infrastructure are operated under clear guides and measures. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
President William Ruto has signed into law two key bills — the Kenya Roads (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2025, and the Gambling Control Bill, 2023.
The Gambling Control law brings with it a new legal framework for the regulation of betting, casinos, and all other types of gaming in the country. It encompasses prize competitions, public lotteries, and media promotions.
The legislation creates tight controls that are meant to promote safe gambling. The legislation also creates the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya, which will now be granted the authority to license and regulate the gambling industry.
The law also defines gambling as a shared function among the national and county governments. Therefore, it recommends that both levels of government have an interest in regulating it.
Under the new regime, each county will now be involved in the regulation of lotteries, gambling, and casinos in its area, together with the national regulator.
This is in addition to the President also signing into law the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill. The bill makes reforms in the leadership arrangement of the country’s road agencies.
The amendment aligns the tenure of Directors-General of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), and the Kenya Roads Board with the Mwongozo Code of Governance.
The Code provides that CEOs of state corporations should serve for three years, renewable once.
This reform is aimed at enhancing performance and reinforcing governance in the roads sector. It is also aimed at ensuring consistency in the operations of all state corporations.
By limiting the residency of Directors-General, the government hopes to create room for accountability, fresh ideas, and enhanced delivery of public service.
The Kenya Roads Bill is one component of concerted efforts to ensure that agencies of public infrastructure are operated under clear guides and measures.
The two laws are likely to have a significant impact on the industries they affect — narrowing regulation in gaming and enforcing responsibility in the road sector.
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