The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has reported a significant increase in
excise duty from betting services during the 2024/2025 financial year.
The revenue grew to Sh13.233 billion, up from Sh10.598 billion collected in
the previous year.
The rise marks a 117.2 per cent performance rate against a set target of Sh11.288
billion.
KRA also recorded strong results in Betting Tax, collecting Sh5.70 billion
against a target of Sh5.495 billion. This represents a 103.7 per cent
performance rate and a 22 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
KRA attributed this growth to tighter integration between betting firms and
its own systems.
The authority said that its Taxation at Source strategy, which allows
real-time monitoring of betting transactions, has improved compliance and
transparency.
“This integration enables us to monitor transactions as they happen,
reducing leakages and increasing efficiency,” said Commissioner for Large and
Medium Taxpayers Rispah Simiyu.
“We are committed to expanding the tax base through Taxation at Source
initiatives to promote fairness, efficiency and transparency in tax
administration,” she added.
The revenue growth comes at a time when Kenya is facing economic challenges.
According to the 2025 Economic Survey, the country’s economy grew by 4.7 per
cent in 2024, down from 5.7 per cent in 2023.
The decline is linked to global slowdowns and domestic pressures on
consumption and credit.
Despite these headwinds, KRA’s total revenue collection for the financial
year stood at Sh2.571 trillion, reflecting a 6.8 per cent increase.
“Our performance shows the importance of strategic targeting in mobilizing
revenue from emerging sectors. We are especially encouraged by the gains made
in the betting industry, which remains one of the fastest-growing digital
sectors,” Simiyu added
KRA said it will continue leveraging technology and policy tools to improve
revenue collection and ensure that all players in the economy contribute fairly
to the national budget.
