Kenya Gambling Authority Opens 2026 Licensing Window Following High Court Ruling

Kenya’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has opened its 2026 licensing process after the High Court lifted most of the restrictions that had prevented the country’s new gambling regulations from taking effect. The process represents the regulator’s first full licensing cycle since it replaced the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) in August 2025.

The GRA has confirmed that all existing gambling licences will expire on 24 September 2026, requiring operators to submit new applications if they intend to continue operating legally. The requirement applies across the sector, including online gambling businesses and the national lottery.

GRA Begins New Licensing Cycle

The licensing process forms part of the regulatory framework established under the Gambling Control Act 2025, with the GRA seeking to bring operators under updated requirements covering areas including transparency and responsible gambling. Prospective applicants have been encouraged to familiarise themselves with the legislation and its operational requirements before submitting their applications.

GRA director general Peter M. Karimi said the authority would seek to maintain integrity and fairness throughout the process.

“We assure all applicants, businesses, investors, and the general public of our dedication to supporting the industry by ensuring integrity and fairness in licensed gambling activities, as required by law,” Karimi said.

High Court Allows Regulator To Resume Work

The licensing window follows a High Court decision that lifted most elements of a stay affecting the Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations 2026. The earlier order had restricted implementation of the new framework, with the regulator warning that the situation risked creating a “regulatory vacuum” in which unlicensed operators could continue without sufficient oversight.

Justice William Musyoka’s latest ruling allows the GRA to resume processing licence applications, assessing operators and enforcing requirements relating to areas including consumer protection and anti-money laundering. However, the legal dispute surrounding parts of the new licensing framework has not yet been fully resolved.

Increased Licensing Fees Remain Suspended

Proposed increases to gambling licensing fees remain subject to the court’s stay order. These include plans to increase the application fee for an online bookmaker licence from Ksh10,000 to Ksh5m, while annual licensing charges would rise to Ksh50m.

Applicants challenging the changes have argued that some of the proposed increases amount to as much as 49,900% and could force businesses out of the market, potentially affecting employment and tax revenues. Those disputed charges will therefore remain suspended while the wider legal proceedings continue.

The High Court has scheduled 2 October for its final judgment after submissions from both sides are filed in September. Until then, Kenya’s new licensing framework can operate in part, allowing the GRA to process applications and perform its regulatory duties while the contested fee increases remain on hold.