The African iGaming Alliance (AiA) has partnered with the Association of Gaming Operators of Kenya (AGOK) through a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two organizations.
Signed by AiA CEO Peter Kesitilwe and AGOK leader John Mutua, the agreement establishes a framework to address key issues affecting Kenya and the broader African region, including regulatory and public policy engagement, responsible gambling practices, consumer protection efforts, and taxation and payment systems.
This collaboration is set to facilitate a greater exchange of research and insights, leveraging AGOK's experiences to contribute to discussions surrounding the gambling ecosystem across Africa. Kesitilwe emphasized that the partnership will bolster Kenya’s influence in shaping the continent's gaming landscape, fostering cooperation on regulation, promoting responsible gambling, and combating illegal gambling operations.
"Kenya is one of Africa's most important and dynamic gaming markets, and what happens here increasingly has relevance beyond Kenya's borders," Kesitilwe stated. He added that this partnership with AGOK would forge a vital connection between developments in Kenya and broader regional discussions.
In response, Mutua highlighted the potential benefits for Kenya’s regulated operators, noting that the agreement will enable them to share their expertise throughout Africa. He commented, "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."
Mutua believes that such collaboration can lead to improved policy outcomes, enhanced consumer protection, and a more sustainable environment for licensed operators.
The MoU, which may be extended with the agreement of both parties, also opens avenues for joint participation in events like conferences, workshops, and roundtables.
This agreement comes amid a pivotal moment for Kenya’s gambling industry. The Gambling Control Act was enacted last year, marking a significant regulatory shift since years of unrest in the sector. However, a stay order issued by the High Court of Kenya in July temporarily halted the licensing process due to concerns over high fees. Although the stay was partially lifted, allowing licensing to continue, it has sparked renewed concerns about the regulatory environment's stability.
