Kenya gets strict on slot machine investors

The Daily Nation reported that the National Assembly Majority Leader, Aden Duale, sponsored the proposed measure, which primarily targets slot machine investors. According to the report, Duale’s Statute Law Bill was taken up on first reading on Wednesday.

Under Duale’s proposed amendments, investors will now have to ask the county government for a license if they want to set up business.

The measure stated that "no license shall be issued under this Act unless the Board has sent a copy of the application for the license to the county government within whose area of jurisdiction the applicant proposes to conduct his business and has given the county government reasonable opportunity to object to, or make recommendations with respect to the application.”

Kenya sees the measure as the perfect answer to curb slot machines placed in storefronts in villages all over the country.

Duale’s new measure will also hike the security deposit fees from US$387 to $193,517. The legislator has also proposed tougher penalties for the illegal use of gaming machines. From US$48.53, Duale’s wants to hit violators with a $19,351 fine or imprisonment for a maximum two years.