Kenyan operators challenge proposed licence fees and capital rules
Regulation1 min read
The Association of Gaming Operators-Kenya urged the Senate committee to annul or amend parts of the Gambling Control Regulations 2026, citing procedural and legal concerns. It objected to proposed fees of Ksh5m for an online bookmaker application and Ksh50m for a licence, as well as a Ksh100m minimum capital requirement; the regulations’ implementation remains suspended, the report says.
The Association of Gaming Operators-Kenya (AGOK) has asked a Senate committee to annul sections of Kenya’s Gambling Control Regulations 2026 and recommend changes before they take effect. The association said proposed fees and capital requirements could deter operators from entering the market.
AGOK vice chairperson Paul Mutegi told the committee that the regulations had not been developed in accordance with procedures under the Statutory Instruments Act. The association questioned whether several provisions complied with existing laws and asked senators to avoid leaving licensed businesses without a regulatory framework.
Mutegi said AGOK wrote to the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary on 15 July and 6 August 2026. He said the office passed the concerns to the Gambling Regulatory Authority on 11 August 2026 and proposed a round-table discussion. No discussions had taken place despite AGOK’s requests, Mutegi said.
The Gambling Control Act was passed in 2025 after years of regulatory uncertainty and repeated gambling tax changes. The High Court issued a stay in July that paused implementation of the new licensing framework. The court later allowed licensing to proceed, while the fees and capital requirements remained suspended.
AGOK remains willing to discuss the rules and said it had presented recommendations during its Senate committee appearance. Before drafting its final report to Parliament, the committee plans to hear from other stakeholders.