AiA and AGOK Sign Agreement to Strengthen Cooperation in Kenya
Kenya.- 27 August 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The African iGaming Alliance and the Association of Gaming Operators of Kenya have signed a Memorandum of Understanding designed to strengthen collaboration and increase Kenya’s role in wider African regulatory discussions.
The agreement will run for an initial three-year period and establish a framework for cooperation across some of the main challenges facing the regulated gambling industry.
Three-Year Agreement
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by AiA CEO Peter Kesitilwe and AGOK chief John Mutua.
It will initially remain in place for three years.
The partnership may subsequently be extended if both organisations agree.
Regulation and Public Policy
One of the principal objectives is to increase cooperation on regulatory and public-policy matters.
The organisations will share experiences from Kenya’s market and use those insights to contribute to broader discussions about gaming regulation across Africa.
The partnership is intended to turn national market experience into useful knowledge for other jurisdictions.
Responsible Gambling and Consumer Protection
Priority areas under the agreement include:
- Responsible gambling.
- Consumer protection.
- Regulatory policy.
- Taxation.
- Payments.
- Tackling the illegal market.
The cooperation will allow both organisations to compare measures adopted across African jurisdictions and examine approaches that may contribute to a sustainable regulated industry.
Research and Insight Sharing
AiA and AGOK will also expand the exchange of research, data and industry insights.
The objective is for the experience of Kenya’s licensed operators to contribute to the wider continental debate on gambling regulation and market development.
At the same time, Kenyan operators will gain additional exposure to developments in other African jurisdictions.
Events and Working Groups
The Memorandum of Understanding also provides opportunities for cooperation through:
- Conferences.
- Workshops.
- Roundtables.
- Specialist events.
- Knowledge-sharing initiatives.
These activities are intended to create regular dialogue between operators, regulators and other stakeholders.
Statements
Peter Kesitilwe described Kenya as one of Africa’s most important and dynamic gaming markets.
He said developments in the country increasingly have relevance beyond Kenya’s borders.
According to Kesitilwe, the partnership with AGOK will create an important bridge between developments in Kenya and the broader continental regulatory conversation.
John Mutua said the agreement would provide regulated Kenyan operators with greater opportunities to share their expertise across Africa.
He believes stronger collaboration can support better policy outcomes, stronger consumer protection and a more sustainable operating environment for licensed companies.
Kenya at a Regulatory Crossroads
The partnership comes during a significant period for Kenya’s gambling industry.
The Gambling Control Act was introduced during 2025 and was presented as the beginning of a new regulatory era following several years of uncertainty.
The legislation was intended to modernise and reorganise oversight of the gambling market.
Licensing Dispute
In July 2026, the licensed gambling market was temporarily disrupted after Kenya’s High Court issued a stay order affecting the licensing process.
The dispute centred on concerns over the high level of licence fees imposed on operators.
The order renewed questions over the stability and predictability of Kenya’s regulatory environment.
Licensing Process Partially Resumes
The stay order was subsequently partially suspended.
This allowed the licensing period to continue while the wider legal dispute remained unresolved.
However, the episode again highlighted the importance of clear and predictable rules for licensed operators.
Tackling the Illegal Market
The partnership between AiA and AGOK will also support work against unlicensed gambling.
Illegal operators represent a significant challenge across several African jurisdictions because of their impact on:
- Player protection.
- Tax revenue.
- Market integrity.
- Competition between operators.
Regional cooperation may help regulators and industry bodies identify more effective enforcement and technological tools.
Industry Context
Kenya is one of East Africa’s most developed betting markets.
High mobile penetration and widespread use of digital payment systems have driven significant growth in online betting.
At the same time, changes in regulation, taxation and licensing conditions continue to create challenges for operators and authorities.
Next Steps or Impact
AiA and AGOK will begin developing joint initiatives under the three-year agreement.
The partnership will increase information exchange, support specialist events and strengthen Kenya’s participation in African regulatory discussions.
It may also contribute to greater continental coordination around responsible gambling, consumer protection, taxation, payments and action against the illegal market.
Editó: @fonta
