Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has directed the Immigration PS Gordon Kihalangwa to review working permits of foreigners who had applied to conduct other businesses but ended up investing in the betting industry.
Dr Matiang’i said deportation orders will be issued to foreign investors who will be on the list forwarded to him by the Immigration.
“My ministry will issue deportation orders for all these foreigners who applied for work permits to do something else but ended up in betting business,” he said.
“We will not allow other people to come and spoil our youth doing unlawful business in Kenya,” he added, noting that about 90 percent of those in the industry are non-nationals who then repatriate most of the revenues back home.
The CS was on Monday addressing stakeholders in the industry including, sports and betting, casino and lottery operators in the country, during a consultative meeting regarding the amendment of the Gaming Bill and revised regulations at the Kenya School of Government.
Dr Matiang’i revealed that betting and gaming companies in the country owe the government Sh26 billion in taxes.