Nairobi: In a move to strengthen oversight and streamline the gambling industry, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya (GRA-K) concluded a two-day public participation forum on new draft regulations under the Gambling Control Act, 2025. The forum, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), attracted a wide range of industry players and brought together stakeholders to deliberate on proposed reforms aimed at creating a structured, robust, transparent, and accountable sector.
According to Kenya News Agency, the consultations, which took place from March 31 to April 1, mark a critical constitutional process in developing a legal framework to govern the sector, which plays a significant role in Kenya's economy. Gambling Regulatory Authority Director General (DG), Mr. Peter Karimi, emphasized the importance of public participation to ensure inclusivity by involving members of the public, industry operators, county governments, and state agencies in discussing the proposals and submitting their views.
The DG stated that the Authority will continue receiving additional submissions through its website and official e-mail channels until April 13. The feedback will then be consolidated into a final document for submission to Parliament for legislation. 'Anyone who feels that their views need to be heard through this forum will have a public participation window closing on the 13th of April, and then all views will be collated into a final document that will then be submitted to Parliament for ratification,' said Mr. Karimi.
The proposed regulations include several key components: the Gambling Control (Licensing Regulations) 2026, Gambling Control (Conduct of Gambling Operations Regulations) 2026, Gambling Control (National Lottery Regulations) 2026, Gambling Control (Advertising Regulations) 2026, Gambling Control (Gambling Appeals Tribunal Regulations) 2026, and Gambling Control (Foreign-Based Operators Regulations) 2026. These recommendations are part of the government's efforts to strengthen the industry while paving the way for a new state-led entrant, the National Lottery.
A significant portion of the discussions centered on the National Lottery Regulations, reflecting growing public interest in the state's planned entry into the gambling space. Mr. Karimi noted that Kenya's gambling sector has been operating under outdated laws for decades, with the previous framework dating back to the 1960s. The new regulatory framework emphasizes responsible gambling, player protection, and safeguarding vulnerable groups, particularly youth and individuals at risk of addiction.
The Authority is working closely with various agencies, including the Kenya Revenue Authority, Communications Authority of Kenya, Financial Reporting Centre, Central Bank of Kenya, Directorate of Criminal Investigation, and the National Intelligence Service, to strengthen oversight and enforcement through a coordinated approach. Mr. Karimi urged Kenyans to actively participate in the process, noting that the final regulations will reflect diverse views collected from across the country.
The National Lottery, established under the National Lottery Act 2023, is positioned as a distinct gambling vertical designed as a public financing instrument. Officials outlined that the lottery would operate within the broader regulatory framework but with stricter oversight, ring-fenced funds for public benefit, and enhanced transparency requirements. Stakeholders present raised questions around consumer protection, responsible gambling safeguards, advertising controls, legal fees, and the role of technology in monitoring compliance.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya, established as a statutory body under the Gambling Control Act, 2025, is mandated to regulate, supervise, and control all forms of gambling across the country. It aims to strengthen oversight of the sector, enhance consumer protection, and promote responsible gambling practices, positioning the industry as transparent and sustainable. The new reforms signal a new dawn, aiming to transform the National Lottery into a source of robust, sustainable public revenue while meeting global trends.
The Authority is expected to incorporate stakeholder feedback before finalizing the regulations, marking a critical step toward operationalizing Kenya's first National Lottery.