Kenya Enters a New Era as GRA Unveils Gambling Control Regulations, 2026

The iGaming landscape in Kenya is undergoing a major transformation following the operationalization of the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) under the Gambling Control Act. As the primary regulator, GRA is introducing a comprehensive new regulatory framework that will reshape the industry. Here’s what you need to know:

The Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations, 2026

The new regulations set strict minimum gambling capital requirements that operators must maintain to stay licensed.  For online operators, the process begins with a KES 5 million application fee and a KES 50 million license fee. To keep the license active, operators must pay an annual fee of KES 5 million for casinos and bookmakers.

 Additionally, operators are required to demonstrate significant liquid capital, with online casinos and bookmakers needing KES 100 million, while a National Lottery license demands an extraordinary KES 2 billion. The licensing process also involves vetting costs for key employees, including directors and major shareholders, foreign directors pay a license fee of KES 200,000, whereas local directors pay KES 100,000.

The Gambling Control (Advertising) Regulations, 2026

The days of aggressive, celebrity-led gambling advertisements are over. This new regulations represent a significant shift for your marketing agency, ending the era of aggressive  gambling promotions and imposing a heavy regulatory tax on marketing budget. Operators are now required to pay a 6% Marketing Levy, in addition to a KES 50,000 application fee for each ad campaign, this levy is based on 6% of the total advertising budget and is paid to the GRA.

It also prohibits the use of celebrities, former winners, testimonials, or figures of public trust such as teachers or clergy to endorse gambling. Furthermore, ads cannot portray gambling as a means to achieve financial success or solve personal problems. Media restrictions also come into effect, TV and radio advertisements are banned between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM unless they are aired during live sporting events. Print ads are limited to the sports section and cannot appear more than twice a week.

Every advertisement is to be approved by the GRA at least seven days before airing and to be subsequently classified by the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB). Additionally, the 20% Rule mandates that at least 20% of the bottom portion of the artwork must be dedicated to responsible gambling messages and license details.

The Gambling Control (Foreign-Based Operators) Regulations, 2026

For foreign-based operators seeking to enter the Kenyan market, they must pay a KES 10 million application fee, a KES 100 million licence fee, and an annual operating licence fee of KES 10 million. Licence renewal requires a KES 5 million application renewal fee and a KES 20 million licence renewal fee. In addition, operators must maintain a minimum paid-up capital of KES 100 million and provide the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) with a KES 200 million security bond or bank guarantee to ensure compliance and performance.

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Foreign operators are also generally required to maintain at least 30% local equity, although the GRA may exempt this requirement if the operator demonstrates that all its revenue is generated outside Kenya. To prevent access by Kenyan residents, licensed foreign operators must implement IP geo-blocking and robust identity verification measures. Failure to comply with these financial and legal obligations can lead to the immediate revocation of an operator’s license.

The Gambling Control (Conduct of Gambling Operations) Regulations, 2026

This law mandates that platforms are to incorporate technical and responsible gaming features, such as real-time tools for players to set deposit and loss limits, integration with a National Self-Exclusion Register to block individuals on the list, and strict adherence to proximity restrictions, preventing gambling premises or billboards within 200 meters of schools or places of worship.

Additionally, operators must maintain winner confidentiality by not using winners’ identities in marketing without explicit consent and adhere to payout timelines, with small prizes up to KES 500,000 paid immediately and jackpots over KES 50 million paid within up to 30 days pending verification.

The Gambling Control (Gambling Appeals Tribunal) Regulations, 2026

To handle the inevitable friction, the regulations have established the Gambling Appeals Tribunal. The body will hear disputes from operators aggrieved by GRA decisions, such as license rejections or revocations of licence. The operator has the right to appeal to the Gambling Appeals Tribunal. However, before approaching the Tribunal, the operator must first attempt to resolve the matter through the GRA’s internal administrative mechanisms. Appeals must be filed within 30 days of the GRA’s decision. This legal framework provides a safety net, ensuring that although the GRA holds significant authority, there is a judicial process to review and check that power which will ensure fairness in the sector.

By centralizing control and demanding high financial and technical standards, the GRA aims to professionalize the industry while strictly limiting the exposure of vulnerable populations to gambling risks.