Kenya government holds high-level gambling reform talks with regulators and operators
Felix Koskei leads discussions on responsible gambling, regulatory stability and industry growth as Kenya advances its new Gambling Regulatory Authority framework.
Kenya.- Kenya’s Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, has held high-level talks with regulators and industry players in Kenya’s gaming sector, including the Association of Gaming Operators in Kenya (AGOK), as the country pushes ahead with sweeping gambling reforms focused on regulatory stability, responsible gaming, and ethical conduct.
The meeting, held in Nairobi on May 6, brought together the Board of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), which recently transitioned into the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) under Kenya’s Gambling Control Act, 2025, and representatives from the country’s gaming industry.
According to Koskei, the talks followed an earlier engagement with the GRA and focused on reviewing reforms implemented over the past two and a half years. “Following the engagement with the Gambling Regulatory Authority, I convened a joint session bringing together the Board and the Association of Gaming Operators in Kenya,” Koskei said, according to Capital FM.
Koskei said the meeting reviewed the impact of recent reforms that authorities believe have helped stabilise the sector while laying the foundation for sustainable growth. “The discussion reviewed reforms implemented over the past two and a half years that restored order and stability in the sector, and examined how to position the industry for sustained growth,” he said.
The discussions come at a pivotal moment for Kenya’s gambling sector, which has undergone major regulatory changes amid growing scrutiny over responsible gambling, addiction risks, advertising practices and compliance with tax and licensing rules.
Driving sustainable gambling growth
Industry discussions during the meeting also centred on balancing economic growth with public welfare and consumer protection under Kenya’s evolving gambling framework. Additional responsible gambling measures discussed included age-verification systems, self-exclusion programmes and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing gambling-related harm.
The discussions form part of Kenya’s broader effort to modernise gambling oversight under the Gambling Regulatory Authority framework and the Gambling Control Act, 2025, which introduced stricter regulatory and consumer protection measures.
Koskei also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining fairness and accountability in the regulation of gaming activities. “Government remains committed to a transparent, fair and well-regulated gaming industry that protects the public interest while supporting enterprise and investment,” he added.
Wider reforms in recent years have also included tighter advertising restrictions, enhanced compliance requirements and increased focus on responsible gambling initiatives. A major theme of the talks was the need for a predictable and transparent regulatory environment capable of supporting both investment and public trust in the sector.
