You have until April 13, 2026, to submit your regulatory recommendations to the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA).
For an industry that has spent months navigating uncertainty, this moment is significant.
Just a month after the appointment of Peter Karimi, who has had close to two decades of experience in the gambling industry, telecom, mobile technology, payments, and digital services, as director general, the Gambling Regulatory Authority is signaling a clear shift.
Not just in leadership, but in approach. Where stakeholders have long anticipated direction on licensing, compliance, and advertising, the regulator is now stepping forward with something different: an open call for participation.
From Uncertainty to Engagement
Operators, players, and industry associations have waited for clarity on key issues, licensing frameworks, codes of conduct, advertising standards, and market structure oversight.
Before the GRA officially took over, the absence of a clear, consistent direction created tension across the ecosystem, impacting operators and leaving regulators under scrutiny.
Now that uncertainty is beginning to lift. But instead of leading with enforcement, the regulator is starting with consultation.
What the Regulator Is Asking For
Operators, players, and industry associations have waited for clarity on key issues, licensing frameworks, codes of conduct, advertising standards, and market structure oversight.
In a public notice released on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the GRA invited institutions, organizations, and individuals to submit feedback on a wide range of regulatory areas:
- Licensing
- Conduct of gambling operators
- National lottery framework
- Advertising guidelines
- Gambling Appeals Tribunal
- Foreign-facing operations
This is not a narrow review. It is a comprehensive attempt to shape the future of Kenya’s gambling ecosystem.
In addition, the Authority has scheduled a citizen engagement forum at the Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC), Nairobi, from March 31 to April 1, 2026, creating space to direct dialogue between the regulator and stakeholders.
A Different Approach From the Past
This shift towards inclusivity is notable.
Not long ago, regulatory actions were met with significant pushback from industry players and consumer advocates alike.
The Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK), for example, criticized the previous process for excluding consumer organizations and for policy directions perceived as unilateral, such as mandating specific payment technologies for gambling wallets.
Other measures, including a 30-day suspension of gambling ads, revised advertising guidelines, and restrictions on influencer endorsements, also sparked debate across the industry.
These moments highlighted a recurring concern: regulation without broad stakeholder engagement risks resistance, inefficiencies, and unintended consequences.
Why This Moment Matters
What the GRA is doing now suggests recalibration.
By opening the door to public participation, the regulator is acknowledging a key reality: sustainable policy is not built in isolation. It is shaped through dialogue between operators, regulators, consumers, and the broader ecosystem.
If done right, this process could:
- Improve regulatory clarity
- Strengthen consumer protection frameworks
- Create a more predictable operating environment for business
- Reduce friction between stakeholders and regulators.
More importantly, it sets a precedent for how regulatory bodies can build trust by listening before acting.
Responsibility Now Shifts to Stakeholders
With the opportunity now open, the responsibility now shifts to the industry.
This is a chance for operators to share practical instances from the ground, consumer groups to advocate for stronger protection, technology providers to influence innovation-friendly frameworks, investors to influence long-term sustainability, and associations to influence long-term sustainability.
Silence at this stage means accepting whatever comes next. Participation, on the other hand, means helping define it.
Final Thought
Kenya’s gambling industry is at an inflection point. The move from inflection-first to engagement-first could mark the beginning of a more balanced, transparent, and effective ecosystem.
But the outcome is not guaranteed. It depends on how stakeholders respond, and the window is open until April 13, 2026.
The question is, who will step in to shape what comes next?
Closing
At Velex Advisory, we see this as more than a consultation process. It’s a defining moment for the industry to influence practical progressive regulation.
Well-structured submissions can bridge the gap between policy intent and operational reality, ensuring that new frameworks are not only compliant but also sustainable.
Whether it’s licensing structures, advertising standards, or cross-border operations, stakeholders who engage thoughtfully today will shape a more resilient regulatory environment tomorrow.
If you are contributing to the consultation, consider sharing your perspective. What should the new framework get right?
Velex Advisory and Gaming Advisory Africa have extensive experience in working with stakeholders and clients in:
- Monitoring regulatory changes and providing adaptation strategies
- Implementation of compliance policies and procedures
- Identifying and securing necessary licenses
If you are looking to refine your submission or fact-check your approach, engaging us in a conversation will make all the difference.
Talk to us in the comments section.
Read: Regulations Trends To Watch in 2026: How They Impact Businesses in Africa
