The Parliamentary Committee on Labour has summoned Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario and the Betting Control and Licensing Board over gambling regulation.
Vice chairman Tiyah Galgalo said on Thursday an inquiry into sports betting can be launched, despite MPs shooting down a motion to probe the industry.
Addressing the press with three committee members, she said her team will ensure betting and gambling are regulated.
“We have summoned the team, including 11 MPs in the rejected select committee, to appear before us next week for a meeting to have the issues affecting those betting fully addressed. We want action to be taken by regulating the industry to ensure Kenyans are safe,” Galgalo said.
Tax evasion claims
National Assembly deputy minority leader Jakoyo Midiwo last week tabled a motion to establish an 11-member select committee to inquire into tax evasion and money laundering claims in the betting industry.
Kipipiri MP Samuel Gichigi said the committee has consulted its legal advisers on the proposed Betting, Lotteries and Gaming (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to be debated next week.
Midiwo said he will introduce several changes to the bill to ensure the betting industry is properly regulated after his motion failed.
“The issue of inquiring into the betting industry has not ended. The Labour Committee is dealing with it. We are not even aware of the total amount of money collected due to improper regulation,” Gichigi said
He said a big percentage of the money goes into individuals’ pockets, instead of being ploughed back into charity as in other countries. At least five million Kenyans are said to be addicted to gambling.