Licenses for online casinos,
betting, skillgaming, lotteries etc.
Full-support for gaming projects
Why Invest in the Kenyan iGaming Market?
The Republic of Kenya is a country located in East Africa on the coast of the Indian Ocean. As of mid-2025 estimates, Kenya’s population exceeds 53.3 million. Kenya has the largest economy in East and Central Africa and serves as the region’s main financial and transport hub.
Market Potential: High Engagement and Revenue Growth
Kenya ranks among the leading African countries in terms of public engagement in gambling. According to GeoPoll, in 2025, 79% of surveyed Kenyans confirmed that they had placed bets at least once. The largest group of surveyed players (33%) place bets every day or more often, while 29% do so once a week.
Sports betting is the dominant segment of Africa’s gambling market. Football is the most popular sport, and 60% of all players in Africa prefer football betting. The second most popular option among players is the Aviator game, chosen by 24% of respondents. In third place by betting frequency, with a significant gap, is casino gambling (8%).
Key Advantages for International Operators
Previously, Kenya’s Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act 1966 did not effectively regulate online gambling, leaving it in a grey area. This changed with the entry into force of the Gambling Control Act, 2025, which for the first time officially regulates online gambling, making the market more transparent for investors.
Why You Need a Local License to Scale
New Kenyan legislation prohibits foreign operators from legally offering online gambling services unless they establish a local company or branch and acquire a local license. The only legal way to operate in the Kenyan market is by obtaining a local license.
License Types and Regulatory Framework
B2C Licenses: Online Betting, Casino, and Totalizators
The new Kenyan legislation differentiates three types of online gambling licenses.
- an online bookmaker’s licence
- an online lottery licence
- an online casino licence
B2B Licenses: Requirements for Software and Service Providers
Kenya legislation explicitly requires obtaining local licenses for all iGaming services. Thus, foreign licenses are not recognized. Therefore, B2B providers seeking to offer services to Kenyan operators must obtain a local license.
Core Requirements for Market Entry
The 30% Local Shareholding Rule: Ownership Compliance
At least 30% of the company’s shares must be held by Kenyan citizens. An exception applies where the operator does not provide services to Kenyan residents. It is also possible to obtain a Kenyan licence for the provision of services outside the country.
Mandatory Local Presence: Office and Player Support Centers
The company must be registered in Kenya or have a branch in Kenya, unless it provides services outside Kenya. A player support centre located in Kenya is mandatory.
License Validity and Renewal Cycles
The standard validity period for all licenses is 36 months. However, the new legislation allows establishing a specific term for each license type in regulations. Renewal applications should be submitted at least 3 months prior to expiration.
Financial Obligations and Taxation
Security Deposits and Minimum Gaming Capital
The new legislation requires a security deposit of KES 100,000,000 (approximately USD 775,200) for each type of online gambling in the form of a bank guarantee or insurance bond. The new law also doesn’t set the security deposit amount for B2B, which will apparently be set by subsidiary legislation.
Each operator must also provide proof of sufficient gambling capital. The amount will be set by the regulator for each gambling activity within the subsidiary legislation.
The Tax Environment: 15% GGR and Corporate Income Tax
A 15% GGR and a 30% CIT rate apply to all categories of gambling activities.
Mandatory Charity (Good Causes) Contributions
A license application must be accompanied by a declaration of good causes. In this declaration, the applicant must specify the proposed budget for charity purposes. The specific amount will be determined with the regulator during the licensing process.
Banking Requirements: Local Authorized Institutions
The new legislation requires licence holders to maintain an account with an authorized financial institution registered in Kenya into which it pays all monies relating to the licensed gambling and lottery activity.
Technical and Software Compliance
Gambling Control System (GCS) Development and Approval
The 2025 Act requires operators to have a gambling control system — a comprehensive document that sets out requirements for software, player protection measures, personal data protection, and other operational aspects. This document is prepared by the operator and approved by the regulator.
Mandatory Real-Time Integration with Regulator Systems
For online gambling operations, the operator must provide the regulator with the necessary technical information and access for real-time monitoring of the platform. This includes details about the gaming platform, server infrastructure, fees charged by the operator, and telecommunications authorizations. The regulator shall create a framework to support real-time oversight of online gambling activities.
Software Technical Specifications for B2B and B2C
Under the Gambling Control Act 2025, the required Gambling Control System and technical documentation should include information about security measures, player and data protection, server infrastructure, player registration and deregistration processes, real-time regulatory monitoring, and responsible gambling tools.
Document Requirements and Application Process
Corporate, UBO, and Financial Disclosure
For the beginning of the company registration process, the following documents are required:
- Certificate of incorporation
- Articles of Association
- Register of company directors
- UBO information
- Tax compliance certificate
- For non-newly incorporated companies: corporate income tax returns and financial statements
- Evidence of the minimum gaming capital required by the regulator
- Details of the licensee’s dedicated account for gambling operations
Technical Documentation and Operational Business Plans
Regardless of whether the software is developed in-house, purchased, or supplied by a B2B provider, the key technical documents include:
- Gambling control system (prepared individually by each operator and approved by the regulator)
- Software technical specifications. If the software is provided by a B2B provider, the B2B provider must hold a Kenyan licence.
Also, the following documents are needed:
- A detailed business plan, including information on minimum investment and sources of funds
- A “good causes” declaration indicating the planned charity budget
Current Licensing Status: 2026 Update on Timelines and Fees
As of March 2026, licenses are not being issued. The regulator’s approval of application and license renewal fees is still awaited.
Our Services for Gambling License Support
Turnkey Company Registration and Local Director Support
SBSB fintech lawyers offer complete legal support during company formation and can help you find a local director if needed. We also provide legal assistance throughout the account opening process, including setting up merchant accounts and more.
Drafting the Gambling Control System and Technical Documentation
Our company provides legal support in preparing or reviewing the Gambling Control System and Technical Documentation. If necessary, we can involve specialists to assist with technical matters.
Tax Planning and Ongoing Regulatory Compliance
SBSB fintech lawyers will assist your business at every stage of its operations. We help with filing required tax returns, regulatory reports, corporate filings, and license renewals.
Strategic Advisory for the East African Market
We advise businesses that want to enter and grow in the East African market. We focus on the best licensing options and the right corporate structure. Our strength lies in being partners who guide you through every step of setting up and expanding your business. We help with legal issues while also looking at commercial viability.
Get in touch with us
Roman Baranovskyi
Senior lawyer
Valeriia Kozel
Customer manager
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