The African iGaming Alliance (AiA) and the Association of Gaming Operators of Kenya (AGOK) have entered into a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance collaboration between the two organizations.
The agreement was signed by AiA CEO Peter Kesitilwe and AGOK chief John Mutua and lays out a framework for addressing issues relevant to both Kenya and the broader African region. Areas of focus include regulatory and public policy matters, responsible gambling practices, consumer protection, and the challenges associated with taxation and payments.
This partnership is expected to facilitate the sharing of research and insights, which could prove beneficial as AGOK’s experiences in Kenya contribute to larger conversations about the gambling landscape across Africa.
Kesitilwe stated that this partnership is pivotal in reinforcing Kenya's influence in the development of the African gaming sector, promoting collaboration on regulations, responsible gaming, and countering illegal activities. "Kenya is one of Africa’s most important and dynamic gaming markets, and what happens here increasingly has relevance beyond Kenya's borders," Kesitilwe noted. He emphasized that the alliance with AGOK would serve as a crucial link between Kenya's developments and the continental dialogue.
Mutua further elaborated that the MoU would enable Kenya’s licensed operators to exchange expertise throughout Africa. "Through this partnership, we will be able to exchange knowledge and research, learn from developments across other African jurisdictions, and contribute Kenya’s own experiences to the continental dialogue," he explained.
He believes that such collaboration can lead to improved policy outcomes, enhance consumer protection, and create a more sustainable operational environment for regulated businesses.
Initially set for three years, the MoU can be extended upon mutual agreement and includes opportunities to collaborate on various events, including conferences, workshops, and roundtables.
The announcement comes at a critical juncture for Kenya’s gambling industry. The Gambling Control Act, which introduced significant regulatory changes, was welcomed last year as a new era for gambling in Kenya after a tumultuous period. However, in July, a stay order from the High Court halted the licensing process, raising concerns over steep license fees. Although the stay order was partially suspended, allowing the licensing process to continue, it has sparked renewed discussions about the stability of the regulatory environment in Kenya.
