President Ruto Signs Gambling Control Bill, Grants Amnesty to Boda Boda Operators
State House, Nairobi — President William Ruto has signed into law the Gambling Control Bill, 2025, signaling a firm stance on the rising concern over gambling in Kenya, particularly among the youth. The President described gambling as a “worrying trend” that threatens the country’s social fabric and called for a balanced approach to manage its risks and benefits.
“We have taken a comprehensive approach that ensures gambling does not become a menace to society,” said President Ruto during the signing ceremony at State House.
The Gambling Control Bill is designed to tighten regulations on betting and gaming activities, introduce stricter licensing regimes, and promote responsible gambling practices to protect vulnerable populations.
In addition to the gambling reforms, President Ruto also assented to the Kenya Roads (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2025, a legislative effort aimed at enhancing road infrastructure management and safety.
Support for Boda Boda Sector
In a separate engagement, President Ruto met with Boda Boda officials from all sub-counties at State House, where he reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting the sector. He acknowledged Boda Boda operators as legitimate entrepreneurs and emphasized the need for stakeholder collaboration to create a self-regulatory framework that fosters the sector’s growth and sustainability.
To demonstrate immediate support, the President granted amnesty for all motorcycles currently detained at police stations, provided they are not linked to any criminal investigations. He instructed the Ministry of Interior to coordinate with the Inspector-General of Police to facilitate the release of these motorcycles within one week.
The twin developments underscore the Ruto administration’s efforts to address both social and economic concerns, promoting a safer, more inclusive regulatory environment for vulnerable sectors of Kenyan society.
