Kenya
Kenya betting and gaming licensing
The Gambling Control Act, 2025 establishes the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya as successor to the Betting Control and Licensing Board. The official site now publishes gazetted licensing and conduct regulations, so older BCLB checklists and the earlier transition suspension should not be treated as the complete current framework.
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Last reviewed: 2 November 2026
Regulator
Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya (GRA), successor to BCLBCompany & local presence
Applicants must be bodies corporate and maintain an account with an authorised financial institution registered in Kenya for licensed gambling monies. Confirm incorporation, registered-office and category-specific local establishment requirements before filing. 1
Ownership requirements
Section 29 requires a minimum of “thirty per cent” of shares to be held by Kenyan citizens. This is the enacted requirement, not an inference from the former BCLB regime. 1
Required documents
Submit the prescribed category application, evidence of gambling capital, the prescribed insurance bond or bank guarantee, statutory declarations, premises/proximity information and a declaration and budget for good causes. The gazetted licensing regulations contain category-specific forms and supporting requirements; use the final text rather than consultation drafts. 1 2
Financial requirements
Fees
Application and licence charges depend on the gambling activity and the applicable gazetted schedule. Confirm the current amount with the regulator; obtain a written category-specific quotation rather than reusing historic BCLB charges. 2
Capital
Section 41 requires proof of adequate gambling capital and provides for activity-specific amounts published by Gazette notice. The regulator also publishes gazetted conduct regulations addressing minimum capital; this research did not reconcile all category amounts and any subsequent notices. Confirm the current amount with the regulator. 1 3
Guarantees / bonds
Section 40 requires an insurance security bond or bank guarantee covering the applicable Third Schedule amount and allows revision by Gazette notice. It can be used to meet liabilities arising from licensed activity. Confirm the current amount with the regulator. 1
Application process
Identify the correct activity licence, complete the final prescribed form and supporting evidence, and submit for financial, ownership and suitability vetting. The licensing regulations provide for committee consideration, full-Board review and inspection of systems and premises. 2
Existing licences issued under the repealed law remain valid for their licensed period under section 122; on expiry the operator applies to the Authority for a new licence. Ask GRA to confirm its current submission channel and operational intake arrangements. 1
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Timelines
Regulation 20 says the Authority shall “within fourteen days” review the application and notify the applicant. This is an initial review provision, not a guaranteed end-to-end launch date; committee consideration, inspections and additional checks must also be allowed for. 2
Official sources
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change; always confirm with the regulator or speak to our team.