Cabinet discuss culture bill and new gambling policies
Under the leadership of President William Ruto, a recent Cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi, marked significant progress in implementing the government’s socio-economic blueprint.
Preceded by a series of Cabinet Committee meetings led by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the gathering addressed policies, reform proposals, and bills shaping the nation’s future.
One of the key highlights from the meeting was the consideration and approval of Kenya’s accession to the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Cultural Properties in the Event of Armed Conflict.
This move underscores the government’s commitment to promoting all forms of national and cultural expressions.
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It also recognises the vital roles science and indigenous knowledge play in national development.
The Convention emphasizes the concept of common heritage and the significance of cultural property in peace-building and sustainable development.
Another critical aspect addressed during the meeting was the issue of irresponsible gambling and betting, often associated with socio-economic challenges.
In response, the nation’s top policy organ approved the Gambling Policy, 2023 the Gambling Control Bill, 2023, and the National Lottery Bill, 2023.
If passed by Parliament, these legislative proposals will replace the existing legal and institutional framework on gambling and betting, which dates back to 1966 and is deemed inadequate to govern the modern gambling landscape in Kenya.
The new gambling and betting regulation paradigm is designed to tackle the adverse effects of these activities by instilling a national culture of responsible gambling and betting.
Additionally, it aims to establish a more active and responsive governance framework, particularly in curbing money laundering related to these industries.
These decisions reflect the government’s commitment to fostering cultural preservation, responsible gambling practices, and economic development.
As these policies move forward, they are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s future in cultural heritage protection and the regulation of gambling and betting activities.
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