The African iGaming Alliance (AiA) has entered into a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of Gaming Operators of Kenya (AGOK) to enhance collaboration.
The agreement was signed by AiA CEO Peter Kesitilwe and AGOK leader John Mutua, creating a foundation for closer cooperation on key issues affecting Kenya and the broader African region.
Key areas of focus include regulatory and public policy engagement, responsible gambling practices, consumer protection, as well as taxation and payment systems.
This MoU is designed to facilitate a more substantial exchange of research and insights, with hopes that AGOK’s experiences in Kenya will enrich discussions about the gambling landscape throughout Africa.
In his remarks, Kesitilwe emphasized that this partnership aims to bolster Kenya’s influence in the shaping of the African gaming sector, particularly in the areas of regulation, responsible practices, and combating illegal market activity. “Kenya is one of Africa's most important and dynamic gaming markets, and what happens here increasingly has relevance beyond Kenya's borders,” he stated. “Our partnership with AGOK will create an important bridge between developments in Kenya and the wider continental conversation.”
Mutua also highlighted the benefits for Kenya’s regulated operators, noting that the agreement would provide them with enhanced opportunities for knowledge sharing across the African continent. “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. “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 initially last three years, with the possibility of extension upon mutual agreement. It also opens the door for joint events, including conferences, workshops, and roundtables.
This announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the Kenyan gambling industry. The Gambling Control Act, introduced last year, was seen as ushering in a brighter era after a turbulent period for gambling in Kenya. However, in July, the licensed gambling sector faced a setback as the High Court of Kenya issued a stay order that halted the licensing process due to concerns regarding steep license fees. This order was partially lifted, allowing the licensing period to continue, but it has further ignited discussions about the stability of Kenya's regulatory environment.
