Licensed betting and gaming firms in Kenya have been warned to settle all tax obligations or risk being locked out of operations beyond June 30, 2025, when their current permits expire.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has directed all operators under the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act (Cap. 131) to urgently regularise their tax affairs in readiness for the renewal of their licences by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).

The Authority said clearance from KRA would be a compulsory prerequisite for permit renewal, in line with Section 9 of the Act.

“Clearance by KRA is a mandatory requirement for renewal of the licenses by the BCLB. In this regard, all betting and gaming operators are encouraged to update their tax matters with KRA to avoid any inconveniences,” the Authority stated.

To obtain tax clearance, KRA has outlined nine specific compliance checks it will verify under the Tax Procedures Act.

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These include submission of a valid CR12, an updated iTax profile that reflects current directors and accurate contact information, timely filing of returns for all tax obligations, and the settlement of any outstanding liabilities — not just for companies but also their directors.

Additionally, betting firms must provide “all requested records for ongoing tax audits and/or compliance checks”, and ensure “full access to systems for ongoing system audits as is necessary for the purpose of the audit.”

Further requirements include possession of “Valid Tax Compliance Certificates (TCC) for both the company and directors”, integration with KRA systems for daily tax remittances and data sharing, and use of “integrated and approved Company's paybill numbers.”

All supporting documentation must be submitted physically at the KRA Offices at Ushuru Pension Plaza along Muthangari Drive or electronically via the official email channels of designated relationship managers.

The Authority emphasised its readiness to assist taxpayers in meeting these requirements, noting the window to benefit from the ongoing tax amnesty remains open until the end of June 2025.

“KRA remains committed to support all taxpayers to comply with their tax obligations in a timely and efficient manner. All taxpayers are encouraged to act promptly and take advantage of the tax amnesty before the 30th June, 2025 deadline,” read the notice issued by the Commissioner for Large and Medium Taxpayers.

Failure to comply could jeopardise operators’ licensing status, placing them at risk of suspension or legal action by the BCLB once the new financial year commences.