Kenyan Gaming Operators Urge Senate to Annul Gambling Control Regulations 2026

The Association of Gaming Operators-Kenya (AGOK) has urged the Senate to annul the Gambling Control Regulations, 2026, citing alleged procedural flaws and provisions it says could unfairly burden licensed operators.

Appearing before the Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the Association, through its Vice Chairperson Paul Mutegi, called on the Committee to annul specific provisions of the regulations and recommend amendments while ensuring that licensed operators are protected from a regulatory vacuum.

Why Kenyan gaming operators are against 2026 Gambling Control Regulations

AGOK argued that the regulations were not developed in accordance with the procedural requirements of Part II of the Statutory Instruments Act. It further maintained that several provisions were inconsistent with the Act and other written laws, as outlined in Part III.

The Association also opposed the fees and capital requirements introduced under the regulations, arguing that they were set at levels that amounted to taxation or created barriers to entry rather than serving the purpose of cost recovery.

“AGOK has raised these matters with the Executive. It wrote to the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary on 15 July 2026 and again on 6 August 2026. The Office forwarded the concerns to the Gambling Regulatory Authority on 11 August 2026 and proposed a round-table discussion. However, no engagements have taken place to date, despite AGOK’s requests,” Mutegi submitted.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Jockey Club of Kenya, Ben Lawrence, who also appeared before the Committee to present views on the same regulations, raised concerns over inadequate public participation.

Lawrence, whose organisation manages Thoroughbred horse racing in Kenya, argued that even where stakeholders had been consulted, their views had not been adequately considered.

Following the presentations, the Committee resolved to engage additional stakeholders before preparing an informed and inclusive report for consideration by the House.