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 between the two organizations.
The agreement was signed by AiA CEO Peter Kesitilwe and AGOK leader John Mutua. This MoU sets the stage for improved cooperation on various critical matters affecting Kenya and the broader African gaming sector.
Key areas of focus include regulatory engagement, public policy, responsible gambling, consumer protection, taxation, and payments. By establishing this framework, the two organizations aim to facilitate the exchange of research and insights, with AGOK’s local experiences impacting discussions about the gambling ecosystem across Africa.
Kesitilwe expressed confidence that this partnership could fortify Kenya’s influence in shaping the continent’s gaming landscape. He emphasized the importance of cooperation on regulation and combating illegal gambling activities, stating, "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 highlighted that the MoU would offer Kenya’s regulated operators opportunities to share their expertise with other African nations. He stated, "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, which has an initial duration of three years, may be extended by mutual agreement. It also opens avenues for collaborative events, including conferences, workshops, and roundtables.
This agreement comes at a pivotal time for Kenya’s gambling industry. The Gambling Control Act, introduced last year, marked a significant shift towards a more regulated market following a tumultuous period. However, in July, the licensed gambling sector faced challenges when the High Court of Kenya issued a stay order, temporarily halting the licensing process amid concerns regarding high fees. Although parts of the stay order were lifted, this situation has reignited discussions about regulatory stability in Kenya's gaming sector.
