Kenya has taken a significant step in implementing the Gambling Control Act, 2025 (Act). This follows the publication of the following subsidiary legislation (Regulations), all of which came into force on 30 June 2026:

• The Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations, 2026 (Licensing Regulations);
• The Gambling Control (Conduct of Gambling Operations) Regulations, 2026 (Gambling Conduct Regulations);
• The Gambling Control (Foreign-Based Operators) Regulations, 2026 (Foreign-based Operators Regulations);
• The Gambling Control (Advertising) Regulations, 2026 (Advertising Regulations); and
• The Gambling Control (Gambling Appeals Tribunal) Regulations, 2026 (Gambling Appeals Tribunal Regulations).

Collectively, these Regulations establish a comprehensive framework governing the licensing, operation, supervision and enforcement measures applicable to gambling activities in Kenya. The Regulations apply to online gambling activities as well as those that take place in brick-and-mortar premises. They signal a shift towards a more robust, technology-driven and consumer-focused regulatory regime, with significantly enhanced compliance obligations for gambling operators and other participants in the gambling space.

Expanded licensing framework

The Licensing Regulations significantly expand Kenya’s licensing framework by prescribing detailed licensing requirements across the various gambling activities. Separate licences are now required for casinos, bookmakers, lotteries, totalisators, bingo, prize competitions and online gambling operators.

Additionally, licences are required for gambling software providers, equipment manufacturers and distributors, testing, repair and servicing providers and key gambling employees. Existing licensees have a grace period of 60 days from 30 June 2026 to comply with the requirements under the Licensing Regulations.

Applicants for licences are required to submit detailed corporate, financial and technical information, including proof of minimum gambling capital, anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) compliance programmes, audited financial statements (where applicable), technical certifications and evidence of compatibility with the Gambling Regulatory Authority’s (GRA) central monitoring systems.

Multi-agency oversight and heightened compliance expectations

The Act and the Regulations introduce a multi-agency regulatory framework, requiring operators to comply not only with the GRA requirements but also with those prescribed by other regulators. For instance, operators must register with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner and comply with the Data Protection Act, 2019, while online operators are expected to meet applicable Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and cybersecurity requirements overseen by the Communications Authority of Kenya. Gambling advertisements must also receive prior approval from the GRA and be classified by the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) before publication. More broadly, operators are required to implement robust governance frameworks covering AML/CTF compliance, responsible gambling, cybersecurity, customer due diligence, internal policies and record-keeping.

Enhanced operational and compliance obligations

The Gambling Conduct Regulations introduce enhanced operational requirements, including integration with the GRA’s central monitoring system and the Kenya Revenue Authority’s systems.

Dedicated framework for foreign-based operators

The Foreign-based Operators Regulations establish a dedicated framework for foreign-based operators, requiring them to maintain minimum paid-up capital of KES 100-million (approximately USD 775 000), provide a KES 200-million (approximately USD 1.55-million) security bond or bank guarantee, comply with the laws of their host jurisdictions and provide the GRA with real-time access to their gaming systems. They must also implement geo-blocking and identity verification measures to prevent Kenyan residents from accessing foreign-facing platforms.

Stricter regulation of gambling advertising

The Advertising Regulations establish a dual approval process requiring gambling advertisements to receive prior approval from the GRA and classification by the KFCB before publication. They also mandate responsible gambling messaging and prohibit advertisements targeting minors, portraying gambling as a means of financial success, or featuring celebrities, influencers, former winners or persons holding positions of public trust. Restrictions also apply to the timing and placement of advertisements.

Formalised appeals process

The Gambling Appeals Tribunal Regulations establish a structured framework for lodging appeals against decisions of the GRA by prescribing the timelines, procedures and evidentiary requirements for instituting and determining appeals.

Conclusion

The Regulations represent one of the most significant reforms of Kenya’s gambling sector in recent years. Together with the Act, they establish a modern and comprehensive regulatory framework centred on enhanced regulatory oversight, financial integrity, responsible gambling, consumer protection and technological accountability. Given the breadth of the new obligations introduced by the Regulations, affected businesses should undertake an early compliance assessment to identify regulatory gaps and implement the operational, governance and technical measures necessary to comply with Kenya’s new gambling regulatory regime.

Written by Daniel Mwathe, Partner, and Patrick Kamanthe, Associate, Bowmans Kenya