The move is part of broader reforms anchored in the new sector laws Operating without a licence is now a criminal offence under the new law, exposing violators to stiff penalties /FILE The regulator said the newly formed Player Protection and Research Unit will monitor betting behaviour, identify addiction patterns and publish annual reports on gambling-related harm.
This will mark a shift towards data-driven regulation in a sector long criticised for weak oversight. The move is part of broader reforms anchored in the Gambling Control Act 2025, which grants the authority expanded powers to license and supervise all gambling products, including online betting platforms and high-risk digital games.
"Player protection is not a slogan for us it is the core of our regulatory philosophy. We will lead this agenda from the front, guided by research and continuous advocacy," said GRA director general Peter Karimi. Under the new framework, operators will be required to implement safeguards such as mandatory self-exclusion tools, cooling-off periods and clearer warnings on the risks associated with betting.
The regulator is also considering tighter controls on advertising, affordability checks and stricter age-verification requirements following public consultations. The crackdown comes amid growing concern over the social and economic impact of betting in Kenya, where millions of young people engage with gambling platforms, often via mobile phones.
Industry growth has outpaced regulation in recent years, raising concerns about addiction, financial distress and exposure to unregulated operators. GRA Director General Peter Karimi said the authority is shifting its focus from basic licensing to active market surveillance and consumer protection.
"The Gambling Control Act, 2025 represents a significant shift in Kenya's regulatory landscape. It modernises the legal framework, strengthens oversight, and imposes higher standards of accountability on operators. The law seeks to balance the growth of a responsible gambling industry with consumer protection and the public interest," said Karimi The authority has already begun compliance audits and is working with county governments to shut down unlicensed betting outlets.