AGOK urges Kenya Senate to repeal disputed gambling regulations
Regulation2 min read
In brief
- AGOK asked Kenya's Senate to repeal the Gambling Control Regulations, 2026.
- AGOK disputes capital requirements, fees and how the regulations were created.
- The Jockey Club of Kenya said stakeholder engagement was inadequate.
- The Senate committee will involve more stakeholders before drafting its report for the House.
The Association of Gaming Operators-Kenya (AGOK) has asked the Senate to repeal the Gambling Control Regulations, 2026. AGOK argues that some provisions were introduced without the required legal procedures and could place an unfair burden on licensed operators.
Vice Chairperson Paul Mutegi represented the Association at a Tuesday session of the Senate's delegated legislation panel. He called on the panel to revoke some provisions and suggest changes, with licensed operators shielded from a regulatory void.
Mutegi said AGOK had taken the matter to the Executive, writing to the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary on 15 July 2026 and again on 6 August 2026. Mutegi said the Office passed the concerns to the Gambling Regulatory Authority on 11 August 2026 and suggested a round-table discussion. As of the hearing, he said, no engagement had happened even though AGOK had asked for it.
The Jockey Club of Kenya also voiced concern about how stakeholders were involved in the process. Ben Lawrence, the club's chief executive officer, told senators that the final regulations did not adequately reflect stakeholder views and that public engagement fell short.
Following the presentations, the Senate committee resolved to bring in more stakeholders before preparing its report for the House. The meeting was chaired by committee chairperson Mwenda Gataya. Attending were senators Mohamed Faki, Consolata Wakwabubi, Dan Maanzo and Betty Montet, along with vice chairperson Danson Mungatana.