Nairobi is taking another look at its gambling framework, with the Association of Gaming Operators of Kenya (AGOK) joining a 13-member taskforce tasked with reviewing the implementation of the city’s 2026 Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act.
The taskforce was established by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja through Gazette Notice No. 14177 on 4 September, following consultations between the county government and AGOK over the rollout of the new legislation.
The group has 21 days from the date of the notice to complete its review and submit its recommendations to the governor.
AGOK Gets a Seat at the Regulatory Table
AGOK representatives John Mutua, Levente Menesi and Angela Kithyoma have been appointed to the taskforce alongside officials from Nairobi County and other public institutions.
Their involvement gives the gaming industry a direct role in assessing how the new law is being implemented and where changes may be needed.
The taskforce will examine Nairobi’s licensing, compliance, enforcement, taxation and fee structures, while also identifying areas where the current framework could require legislative, regulatory or operational adjustments.
AGOK said it intends to work with the other members to support a regulatory environment that is fair, transparent and stable for gaming businesses operating in Nairobi.
Licensing and Fees Under the Microscope
Licensing is expected to be one of the biggest areas of discussion.
The review will cover requirements for casinos, online casinos, betting premises, satellite betting shops, public lotteries, prize competitions, pool tables and amusement machines.
The taskforce will assess the fees attached to these licences, as well as the procedures and timelines operators must follow to obtain them.
The transition of existing operators into the new legal framework will also be examined, including compliance requirements and enforcement procedures.
Taxation and revenue administration will form another key part of the review as Nairobi looks at how the gaming sector fits into its wider business and revenue framework.
Nairobi and National Rules Face Comparison
The taskforce will also look at the relationship between county-level gambling requirements and Kenya’s national regulatory framework.
One of its objectives is to identify duplication, conflicts or areas of overlap between county and national requirements, while determining where clarification or harmonisation may be necessary.
The review will also examine which level of government should be responsible for specific enforcement activities.
Its final recommendations will classify issues according to the action required, ranging from legislative and regulatory amendments to administrative measures or discussions with the national government and the Gaming Regulatory Authority.
Nairobi’s system will also be benchmarked against approaches used in other Kenyan counties and relevant international jurisdictions.
Consumer Protection Joins the Agenda
The review is not limited to business and regulatory costs.
The taskforce will assess the gaming sector’s contribution to Nairobi’s economy, including county revenue, investment, industry stability and the ease of doing business.
Consumer protection and responsible gambling will also feature prominently. The group will consider measures aimed at reducing gambling-related harm, protecting young and vulnerable people, and improving public awareness.
Monitoring systems and cooperation between operators and the county government will also be examined as part of efforts to create a more sustainable gaming market.
21 Days to Deliver the Review
Nairobi County Chief of Staff David Njoroge will chair the taskforce, with County Executive Committee Member for Business and Hustler Opportunities Dr Anastasia Nyalita serving as co-chair.
The Directorate of Betting, Lotteries and Gaming will provide technical and administrative support, while representatives from county finance, legal and business departments, national institutions and intergovernmental bodies will contribute to the review.
The final package will include an inception report, stakeholder consultation findings and a comparative analysis of licensing fees.
With only 21 days allocated for the process, Nairobi’s gaming industry could soon have a clearer picture of how the 2026 law will shape licensing, taxation, enforcement and operator requirements across the county.
Source: SiGMA World