Kenya Moves to Tighten Gambling Rules Under New 2025 Control Act

The Kenyan government has moved to tighten regulation of the gambling sector through proposed rules under the Gambling Control Act, 2025. A Gazette Notice issued on April 30, 2026, outlines the new framework.

The notice comes from the Office of the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes. It confirms that a Regulatory Impact Statement has been prepared under the law.

“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,” the Gazette Notice stated.

The proposed regulations aim to operationalise the Gambling Control Act, 2025. They set out rules for licensing, operations, advertising, cross-border gambling and oversight of special gambling activities, including the National Lottery.

“The proposed Regulations are intended to operationalise the Gambling Control Act, 2025, by establishing a regulatory framework governing licensing, operational conduct, advertising, cross-border participation and the supervision of specialized gambling activities, including the National Lottery,” the notice said.

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Licensing Regulations

The Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations, 2026, will guide entry into the gambling industry. They will define how operators obtain and maintain licences.

The Gambling Control (Conduct of Gambling Operations) Regulations, 2026, will set standards for daily operations. They will also outline compliance requirements for licensed firms.

Advertising Controls

The Gambling Control (Advertising) Regulations, 2026, will regulate gambling advertisements. The aim is to improve responsible marketing and protect consumers.

The Gambling Control (Foreign-Based Operators) Regulations, 2026, will address international gambling companies. The rules will strengthen oversight of cross-border operators.

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National Lottery Framework

The Gambling Control (National Lottery) Regulations, 2026, will establish rules for running the National Lottery. The framework will define its structure and supervision.

The notice said the reforms seek to strengthen market entry controls, improve technical standards, regulate advertising and enhance consumer protection. It also targets better oversight of the gambling sector.

“ANY person who may be affected by the proposed Regulations may submit written memoranda or representations on the Regulatory Impact Statement within fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of this notice in the Kenya Gazette,” the notice added.

The Gambling Regulatory Authority will receive submissions at ACK Gardens Annex, 1st Ngong Avenue, Nairobi. Stakeholders can also send views through: regulations@gra.go.ke.

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The Government of Kenya issues a Regulatory Impact Statement in Nairobi on April 30, 2026, to enforce the Gambling Control Act, 2025.