Kenya’s legal expert urges gambling operators to prepare for GRA takeover in two months
Operators are urged to review compliance frameworks, monitor GRA updates and plan for licensing and operational changes under the new Gambling Control Act, 2025.
Kenya.- Kenya’s gambling operators have just two months to prepare as the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) takes over from the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) at the end of February 2026, making it a critical period to review internal procedures, update policies and align with the Gambling Control Act, 2025.
Legal expert Caiphas Chepkwony of CM Advocates, which advises Kenya’s betting and gaming sector, has urged operators to act immediately to ensure a smooth transition. He said: “Operators need to monitor official communications from the GRA for updates on the development and publication of the new regulations.”
Chepkwony highlighted the importance of compliance. “Operators must review current compliance frameworks to align internal policies with the anticipated requirements of the Gambling Control Act, 2025. Plan ahead for potential adjustments to licensing and operational obligations once the GRA’s new regulatory framework takes effect,” added Chepkwony.
The BCLB has temporarily imposed a moratorium on annual licence applications, giving operators a chance to get ahead of the upcoming regulatory changes. Industry experts note that companies taking proactive steps now can reduce the risk of compliance issues and strengthen their credibility under the new framework.
GRA overhaul kicks in
The Gambling Control Act, 2025, which comes fully into effect by the end of February 2026, replaces the “decades-old” Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act and establishes the GRA as the sole regulatory authority. This transition is part of Kenya’s effort to modernise and strengthen regulation of the gambling sector, giving the GRA broader powers to license, monitor and enforce compliance across all betting operations.
Existing licence holders may continue operating under current terms, but new annual licence applications remain on hold until the GRA is fully operational. The law introduces modernised standards for consumer protection and operational reporting, reflecting a broader shift toward a more transparent and accountable gambling sector.
Experts say this limited window is a key opportunity for operators to update compliance frameworks, monitor regulations and plan for licensing changes to navigate the transition smoothly.
