Kenya’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has resumed the 2026 gambling licensing process after the High Court allowed most of the country’s new regulatory framework to take effect.
The process marks the first full licensing cycle under the Gambling Control Act 2025, which replaced the previous regulatory framework following the transition from the BCLB to the GRA. The new licensing regulations were published in June 2026 and came into force on July 3.
The GRA can now receive and assess licence applications, conduct operator reviews and enforce requirements covering areas such as consumer protection and anti-money laundering controls.
High Court narrows the suspension
The High Court initially suspended the implementation of the new licensing framework in July following a legal challenge from market participants. However, on August 7, Justice William Musyoka narrowed the scope of the stay.
The suspension now applies only to increased licensing fees under the Second Schedule and gambling capital requirements under the Third Schedule. The remaining provisions of the 2026 licensing regulations can take effect.
The licensing fees have become one of the main points of contention. The applicants argue that some charges have increased by hundreds of percent, with certain fees rising by as much as 49,900%. The court has yet to reach a final decision on the disputed provisions.
The final judgment is scheduled for October 2, 2026, following written submissions from both sides in September.
The ruling therefore allows Kenya’s new licensing process to move forward, while the most controversial fee increases and capital requirements remain subject to the ongoing court case.
