In its latest ruling, Kenya’s High Court has lifted the previous stay order, allowing the country’s gambling regulator to resume its work and continue the licensing process.
Earlier in July 2026, the court had blocked the gambling regulator from launching the new framework; however, Justice William Musyoka ruled on August 7, 2026, that the regulatory body could reopen the enforcement of the Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations 2026. At the same time, new capital requirements and higher licensing fees will still remain suspended.
The court decision came after the government of Kenya and the newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority asked to reopen the industry and only leave the most controversial points suspended. The regulator explained that the request was made based on the fact that the total stay order had created a regulatory vacuum, allowing illegal operators to offer their services without any supervision.
For context, the new gambling framework has proposed to increase online bookmaker licensing fees from $77 to $38,000, while the annual licensing fee was set to rise from $3,000 to $386,000, representing significant hikes between 200% and 49,900%.
Under the current court ruling, the regulatory authority will be able to receive and process license applications, conduct due diligence on operators, and manage anti-money laundering and consumer-protection measures.
A full judgment regarding the suspended aspects of the regulations is scheduled to be held on October 2, 2026.
