The government of Kenya has formed an 11-member select committee to look at the gaming industry in the southern Africa country.
National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale and Deputy Minority Leader Jakoyo Midiwo will lead the team, which is expected to focus on tax compliance, possible tax evasion, regulatory matters and the benefits of the industry to society and the state, reported Business Daily Africa.
The committee, which was established on the recommendation of the opposition coalition Cord, has 14 days to report its findings to the House. MPs proposed to sit on the committee are Kanini Kega of Kieni, Thomas Mwadegu of Wundanyi, Soipan Tuya of Narok and Samuel Gichigi of Kipipiri.
Others include Samuel Chepkong’a of Ainabkoi, Dorcas Kedogo of Vihiga women, Daniel Maanzo of Makueni, Benjamin Langat of Anamoi and Mary Keraa of Kisii.
Gem MP Midiwo says betting companies like Sportspesa, Elibet, Betway, BetIn Kenya and mCheza have made it easy to access online and mobile gaming in an environment of insufficient regulatory and institutional frameworks. He added that the government must play a stronger role in strengthening the licensing and taxation of the industry while ensuring that it is sustainable, the Daily reported.
Kenya Film Classification Board head Ezekiel Mutua has criticized increased betting and gambling in the media, and called for a law banning betting and gambling advertisements during prime time viewing.
