The African iGaming Alliance (AiA) and the Association of Gaming Operators of Kenya (AGOK) have formalized a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing collaboration between the two organizations. The agreement was signed by AiA CEO Peter Kesitilwe and AGOK chief John Mutua, and creates a framework for joint efforts on issues affecting Kenya and the broader African gaming landscape.
Key areas of focus outlined in the MoU include regulatory and public policy matters, responsible gambling initiatives, consumer protection strategies, and taxation and payment frameworks. Additionally, the partnership aims to facilitate a greater exchange of research and insights, drawing from AGOK’s experiences to inform discussions about the overall gambling ecosystem in Africa.
Kesitilwe emphasized the importance of this partnership in bolstering Kenya’s influence in shaping the African gaming sector, particularly in fostering collaboration on regulation and combating illegal gambling operations. He stated, “Kenya is one of Africa’s most important and dynamic gaming markets, and what happens here increasingly has relevance beyond Kenya’s borders. Our partnership with AGOK will create an important bridge between developments in Kenya and the wider continental conversation.”
Mutua also highlighted the benefits of the agreement for Kenya’s regulated operators, stating that it would provide opportunities for sharing expertise across the continent. He noted, “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. We believe that collaboration of this nature can support better policy outcomes, stronger consumer protection and a more sustainable environment for licensed operators.”
The MoU will commence for an initial duration of three years, with the option for extension pending mutual agreement. It encompasses opportunities for joint events like conferences, workshops, and roundtable discussions.
This announcement comes at a critical juncture for the Kenyan gambling industry, which is navigating significant regulatory changes. The Gambling Control Act was enacted last year, marking what was seen as a new, progressive phase for gambling in Kenya following a period of instability. However, in July, the licensed gambling sector faced a setback when the High Court of Kenya issued a stay order, halting the licensing process due to concerns about high fees. Although the stay order was later partially lifted, allowing the licensing process to resume, the situation has again raised concerns about the long-term regulatory stability in Kenya.
