President William Ruto has appointed former Kipkelion East Member of Parliament Joseph Kirui Limo as the new Non-Executive Chairperson of the Gambling Regulatory Authority.
The appointment was announced through a Gazette Notice released on Friday, marking yet another key placement in Ruto’s ongoing reshuffle of top government agencies.
Limo will serve in the role for a three-year term, effective immediately.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority, which operates under the Ministry of Interior, is tasked with licensing and overseeing gaming, lotteries, and betting operations in Kenya.
The agency also ensures that gaming activities comply with national laws and promote responsible gambling.
Joseph Limo, a seasoned politician and economist, previously chaired the powerful National Assembly’s Finance and National Planning Committee.
During his tenure in Parliament, he was instrumental in spearheading financial reforms and advocating for fiscal responsibility within government institutions.
His appointment is being viewed as a strategic move to strengthen oversight in the betting industry, which has faced challenges such as unregulated online gambling, tax evasion, and the proliferation of illegal gaming outlets.
Sources within State House say President Ruto’s decision was influenced by Limo’s strong background in financial management and his reputation for integrity during his parliamentary service.
Limo’s entry into the Gambling Regulatory Authority comes at a time when the government is tightening controls on the betting sector to safeguard public welfare and enhance revenue collection.
With his new mandate, Limo is expected to restore confidence in the authority and streamline operations to ensure accountability, fairness, and compliance in Kenya’s fast-growing gambling industry.
His appointment replaces the previous chairperson whose term had expired earlier this year.
By Nairobi