The government of Kenya has proposed Gambling Control Regulations, 2026, a comprehensive framework designed to regulate licensing, operations, advertising, cross-border participation, and dispute resolution in the gambling sector.
In a gazette notice No. 6394, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku stated that the reforms seeks to address growing risks in the industry while strengthening consumer protection, regulatory oversight, and market integrity across both physical and digital gambling platforms.
“PURSUANT to section 8 of the Statutory Instruments Act, 2013, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes notifies the public that a Regulatory Impact Statement has been prepared in respect of the proposed Regulations under the Gambling Control Act, 2025,” read the gazette notice,” read the gazette notice.
The framework introduces a structured system around gambling activity, including market entry, operational conduct, and regulatory enforcement.
It also extends to demand-side controls, such as advertising, foreign-based operators, and appeal mechanism.
Risk-Based Licensing and Market Entry Controls
The framework establishes a risk-sensitive licensing system that classifies licenses based on the type of gambling activity, including casinos, betting firms, lotteries, totalisators, gaming premises, equipment suppliers, and software providers.
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Applicants will be required to meet strict conditions covering legal status, ownership transparency, financial capacity, and governance structures.
The Gambling Control Authority has to conduct due diligence and assess the fitness and propriety of all applicants before granting approval.
Once licensed, operators will not be left unchecked. The framework introduces continuous compliance obligations, including minimum capital maintenance, periodic reporting, and mandatory disclosure of material changes in ownership or operations.
Operational Standards and Conduct of Gambling Activities
Operators will be required to implement internal control systems that track transactions, prevent fraud, and ensure full auditability.
Technical systems must meet strict cybersecurity and resilience standards, with regulatory approval required for gambling platforms.
Anonymous gambling will no longer be permitted, as operators must maintain verified accounts and monitor transactions for suspicious activity.
Operators must implement self-exclusion systems, maintain exclusion registers, and introduce safeguards for minors and vulnerable users.
Advertising Controls, Cross-Border Regulation, and Appeals Mechanism
The Advertising Regulations, 2026, introduces strict controls on how gambling is promoted.
All advertisements must receive prior approval from the regulator, ensuring content is reviewed before public release.
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The rules prohibit misleading messaging, exaggerated winnings claims, and any presentation that normalizes gambling as a financial solution.
Special restrictions target vulnerable groups, particularly minors, while also regulating timing, placement, and digital targeting practices. This includes oversight of social media advertising and algorithm-driven promotions, which drive gambling exposure.
To address the rise of international operators, the Foreign-Based Operators Regulations, require offshore gambling companies targeting Kenyan users to obtain local authorization.
Foreign operators must establish a regulatory presence in Kenya, comply with domestic reporting obligations, and implement geo-fencing and access control systems to ensure jurisdictional compliance.
A Gambling Appeals Tribunal has been introduced, creating a formal mechanism for reviewing regulatory decisions.
The tribunal will hear disputes related to licensing, enforcement actions, and other determinations by the regulator, with the power to affirm, vary, or overturn such decisions.
