Kenya Launches First Gambling Licensing Cycle Under New Regulatory Framework
Kenya’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has officially commenced the country’s first licensing cycle under the Gambling Control Act, 2025, setting the stage for the implementation of a new regulatory framework that will govern the gambling sector going forward. The announcement was made through a notice issued to gaming operators on 3 July 2026, just days after the publication of the Gambling Regulations, 2026.
The Gambling Control Act, 2025 established the GRA as Kenya’s gambling regulator and expanded its mandate to oversee the industry under a new regulatory framework.
The Authority noted that the recently published regulations are now fully operational and provide the framework required to implement the new law. “These Regulations provide the detailed operational framework necessary to ensure a transparent, accountable and a well-regulated gambling sector. Collectively, they give effect to the Act and enable the Authority to discharge its mandate effectively, while safeguarding the public interest and promoting responsible gambling practices,” the GRA stated.
The regulations now in force cover six key areas of the industry, including licensing, gambling operations, national lottery activities, advertising, gambling appeals and foreign-facing operators.
Read Also: Kenya Enters a New Era as GRA Unveils Gambling Control Regulations, 2026
To facilitate the transition to the new licensing regime, the GRA has extended the validity of licences issued under the previous framework by 60 days, in accordance with Regulation 30(1) of the Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations, 2026, which states: “A licence issued under the repealed Act and subsisting immediately before the commencement of these Regulations shall continue to be in force for a period of sixty days from the date of publication of these Regulations.” The Authority said the measure would help ensure continuity as operators migrate to the new framework
Beyond existing operators, the Authority is also extending regulatory oversight to suppliers and service providers that support gambling businesses. As part of the first phase of the licensing process, operators and prospective applicants have been instructed to notify all suppliers and service providers that they will require approval from the Authority before offering services to gambling operators. To support this process, operators have also been directed to submit a list of all suppliers and service providers to the regulator within seven days of the notice.
“All operators and/or prospective applicants are required to notify all their suppliers and service providers that they shall need permission, licenses and/or authorization from the authority before supplying or offering any services to the operators in the gambling industry pursuant to Section 28 (2)(j)(k)(l)(m)(n) of the Act and Regulations 12,13,14,15 and Regulation 16 of the Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations, 2026.“
With the licensing cycle now underway, the GRA has sought to reassure both existing operators and prospective entrants that the new application process has been designed to be efficient and accessible. “The Authority assures all existing operators and prospective new applicants that the new licensing process and systems deployed will be seamless, user friendly and is designed to foster a fair, competitive, and well-regulated gambling industry that balances economic growth with consumer protection,” the regulator said.
