The African iGaming Alliance (AiA) and the Association of Gaming Operators of Kenya (AGOK) have formalized their partnership by signing a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing collaboration in the gaming sector.
The agreement was signed by Peter Kesitilwe, CEO of AiA, and AGOK’s chief, John Mutua. It sets a foundation for cooperation on issues of significance both in Kenya and across the African continent. Key focus areas include regulatory matters, public policy, responsible gambling practices, consumer protection, as well as taxation and payment systems.
This collaboration will also facilitate a greater exchange of research and insights, enabling AGOK's experiences in Kenya to influence discussions regarding the broader gambling ecosystem in Africa.
Kesitilwe noted that this partnership will empower Kenya to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the African gaming industry. He emphasized, "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."
John Mutua highlighted that the agreement would afford licensed operators in Kenya better opportunities to share their expertise across the continent. He described the initiative as a means to "exchange knowledge and research, learn from developments across other African jurisdictions, and contribute Kenya’s own experiences to the continental dialogue."
Mutua expressed confidence that such collaborations would lead to improved policy outcomes, enhanced consumer protection, and a more sustainable environment for licensed operators.
The MoU is set for an initial three-year term but can be extended by mutual consent. It includes possibilities for joint events such as conferences, workshops, and roundtables.
This announcement comes at a crucial juncture for the Kenyan gambling industry. Following the introduction of the Gambling Control Act last year, which was seen as a positive step after a tumultuous period, the industry faced a significant setback in July when a High Court in Kenya issued a stay order halting the licensing process due to concerns surrounding excessive fees. Although the stay order was partially lifted, allowing some licensing activities to resume, this situation has reignited fears regarding the stability of the regulatory framework in Kenya.
