The Association of Gaming Operators-Kenya has asked a Senate committee to annul parts of the country's Gambling Control Regulations, 2026. The group says the rules contain procedural defects and impose financial requirements that could unfairly burden licensed businesses.
AGOK presented its case to the Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation on November 3. According to the Parliament of Kenya, vice chairperson Paul Mutegi asked the committee to strike specific provisions and recommend amendments without leaving licensed operators in a regulatory vacuum. The association argued that the regulations did not comply with Part II of the Statutory Instruments Act and that some provisions conflicted with other written laws.
The operators also challenged the level of licensing fees and minimum capital requirements. AGOK's position is that regulatory charges should recover the cost of supervision rather than function as taxation or create barriers to entry. iGaming AFRIKA reported that the group had written to the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary in July and August and said a proposed round-table discussion had not taken place by the hearing.
The Jockey Club of Kenya raised a separate objection about public participation. Chief executive Ben Lawrence told senators that stakeholder views had not been adequately reflected, even where consultations had occurred. People Daily reported that the club's submission focused on how the regulations were developed rather than the operators' fee and capital arguments.
The committee has not annulled the regulations. It resolved to hear more stakeholders before preparing an informed report for consideration by the Senate. The next phase will therefore determine whether any provisions are recommended for amendment or removal, while the challenged rules remain the subject of legislative scrutiny.
