Kenya to strengthen gambling oversight with new licensing framework
The transition marks a shift towards a more centralised system under the GRA, replacing the previous regime that had been in place for years.
Kenya.- Kenya is preparing to tighten control over its gambling industry, with the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) rolling out a new licensing and oversight framework ahead of a June 2026 compliance deadline.
The regulator, which assumed control from the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) on February 28, is restructuring how operators are licensed and monitored across both retail and digital channels. The transition marks a shift towards a more centralised system under the GRA, replacing the previous regime that had been in place for years.
Director General Peter Karimi told lawmakers that the authority plans to expand its mandate to include closer supervision of gambling revenues, a function currently handled by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). The proposal is part of broader reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability in a sector that has seen sustained growth, particularly in online betting.
To support this shift, the GRA intends to recruit about 200 staff and deploy monitoring systems capable of tracking betting activity in real time. The technology is expected to cover online platforms and land-based venues, with a focus on detecting irregular transactions and ensuring compliance with licensing conditions. Authorities have raised concerns about gaps in oversight, especially in digital operations where enforcement has been limited.
Alongside regulatory changes, the GRA is assessing the feasibility of introducing a national lottery. According to Karimi, international models show that such systems can generate up to two per cent of gross domestic product when fully developed. The proposed lottery would be operated under a licensed model, with the government considering a competitive selection process that may include external advisory support.
The new framework is expected to take full effect before the current licensing cycle closes in June 2026. Operators will be required to meet updated standards, including the integration of approved monitoring tools as a condition for licence approval or renewal.
Parliament is also reviewing proposals that would allow the GRA to retain a portion of collected revenues. These funds would be allocated to enforcement, system upgrades and administrative capacity as the authority builds out its regulatory role.
The changes reflect Kenya’s push to strengthen regulatory control over gambling while exploring new revenue opportunities within the sector.
