GRA Invites Kenyans to Review and Comment on Draft 2026 Gambling Regulations
On the 24th of March, 2025, the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) officially launched a public participation window, inviting citizens, institutions, and organizations to provide feedback on the six sets of draft regulations that will govern the nation’s betting and gaming sector.
The landscape of gambling in Kenya is undergoing a significant transformation following the assent of the Gambling Control Act (No. 14 of 2025) on August 7, 2025. Since coming into operation on August 20, 2025, this modern legal framework has established the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), which replaces the former Betting Control and Licensing Board. The GRA is now vested with broad powers to oversee the sector and ensure its effective regulation.
The proposed Gambling Control Regulations 2026, are designed to provide a detailed operational framework to ensure that the industry is transparent, accountable, and well-regulated. The review focuses on six specific areas, including the Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations, which set out the process and requirements for obtaining licenses within the industry. The Gambling Control (Conduct of Gambling Operations) Regulations provide the framework for how gambling activities must be managed and carried out. The Gambling Control (National Lottery) Regulations specifically oversee the operations and management of the National Lottery.
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The Gambling Control (Advertising) Regulations establish standards and restrictions for marketing gambling services to the public. The Gambling Control (Gambling Appeals Tribunal) Regulations define the rules for the tribunal responsible for hearing and resolving disputes within the industry. Lastly, the Gambling Control (Foreign-Facing Operators) Regulations aim to regulate operators who provide services to players outside of Kenya. By refining these rules, the GRA aims to safeguard the public interest and promote responsible gambling practices nationwide.
The GRA, which falls under the Executive Office of the President, is now vested with broad powers to oversee the gambling sector through this modern and coherent legal framework. The development of these six regulations marks the final step in making the 2025 Act fully operational.
The public is encouraged to submit comments on these proposed rules from March 25th to April 13th, 2026. These rules are essential for the full operationalization of the country’s new gambling laws. As part of this engagement process, a two-day citizen engagement meeting is scheduled to take place at the Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on March 31st and April 1st, 2026, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Stakeholders ranging from civil society and professional bodies to youth and faith-based organizations are encouraged to attend. For those submitting written feedback, the GRA has provided a standardized template on its website (www.gra.go.ke), which can be sent via email to regulations@gra.go.ke or hand-delivered to the GRA offices at ACK Gardens Annex in Nairobi.
