The Association of Gaming Operators Kenya (AGOK) has urged the government to annul parts of the country’s new gambling regulatory framework, challenging the process used to introduce higher licensing fees and capital requirements. The association raised its concerns before the Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation, arguing that affected stakeholders were not properly consulted.
Under the new regime, an online bookmaker licence application costs Ksh5 million and the licence fee is Ksh50 million for a three-year term. Online bookmakers and iGaming businesses must also meet a minimum gambling capital requirement of Ksh100 million. Under the previous framework, application and annual licence fees were substantially lower.
Licensing implications
The committee said it would engage additional stakeholders before preparing a report for parliament. The challenge does not itself cancel the fees or suspend the licensing framework. Operators considering entry or renewal in Kenya should monitor the committee’s next steps and obtain local legal advice before relying on any assumed change to the requirements.