Kenya’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has identified 11 gambling companies that have met its licensing requirements for the 2026/2027 financial year, reinforcing the importance of regulatory compliance and approved payment channels in the country’s gaming industry.
The information was communicated in a letter dated 2 November 2026, addressed to Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa, and subsequently reported by industry publications.
The correspondence identifies licensed companies alongside their trading names, licence numbers and approved payment collection numbers.
The development highlights the growing relationship between gambling regulation and payment infrastructure in one of East Africa’s most prominent betting markets.
Eleven Operators Identified in Regulatory Communication
According to industry reporting, the GRA’s communication lists 11 companies authorised to provide specified gambling services during the 2026/2027 financial year.
Operators identified in coverage of the list include SportPesa, Betika, OdiBets, Pepeta, Yowin, SportyBet and Betnare.
The regulator indicated that the list would be updated as licensing developments occur.
Importantly, the communication should not be interpreted as an exhaustive list of every gambling business operating in Kenya or as confirmation that companies not named have necessarily violated the law.
Operators and commercial partners should verify current licence status directly with the regulator.
Payment Collection Numbers Come Under Focus
One of the most commercially significant aspects of the communication is its inclusion of approved payment collection numbers.
The letter was addressed to Safaricom, whose M-Pesa platform plays a major role in Kenya’s digital payments ecosystem.
By linking licensed operators with their approved collection channels, the regulator is reinforcing the importance of aligning gambling transactions with authorised businesses.
For gaming operators, this creates an additional reason to maintain accurate licensing and payment documentation.
For payment service providers and technology partners, it highlights the importance of confirming the regulatory standing of gaming merchants before enabling transaction processing.
GRA Reinforces Licensing Requirements
The Gambling Regulatory Authority reiterated the requirements under Section 28(1) of the Gambling Control Act, 2025.
The provision prohibits individuals and companies from offering gambling activities or services without the appropriate licence.
Kenya’s gambling regulatory framework has undergone significant changes, including the transition from the former Betting Control and Licensing Board to the Gambling Regulatory Authority.
The new framework places considerable emphasis on licensing, regulatory oversight and compliance across the industry.
The publication of approved operators provides further visibility into how the regulator is implementing its responsibilities.
What This Means for International Gaming Businesses
Kenya remains an important market for international betting operators, casino content suppliers and gaming technology companies seeking opportunities in East Africa.
However, the regulatory environment requires careful attention to licensing conditions and local operating requirements.
Businesses entering the market must understand the obligations applicable to their activities, including any requirements concerning local corporate structures, regulatory approvals and payment arrangements.
International technology providers and payment partners should also ensure that their commercial relationships are consistent with applicable Kenyan regulations.
The GRA’s communication illustrates why regulatory due diligence is essential when forming partnerships with local gaming businesses.
Implications for Africa’s Gaming and Payments Industries
Across Africa, regulators are increasingly examining how gambling operators collect payments, maintain customer records and demonstrate compliance.
Kenya’s approach highlights the importance of cooperation between gaming regulators, telecommunications companies and payment service providers.
For licensed operators, clear regulatory identification can support transparency and help commercial partners assess compliance requirements.
For payment companies, reliable information about authorised merchants can contribute to better onboarding and risk management.
The development also demonstrates that gaming regulation is no longer solely about issuing licences. It increasingly intersects with the infrastructure used to process gambling-related transactions.
Looking Ahead
The GRA has indicated that its licensing list will be updated as further developments occur.
Gaming operators, technology suppliers and payment providers should therefore monitor official communications and verify current authorisations before making commercial decisions.
For Kenya’s gambling industry, the broader message is clear: licensing compliance and payment infrastructure are becoming increasingly interconnected as regulatory oversight evolves.
For Africa’s wider iGaming ecosystem, Kenya provides another example of how regulators are working to establish greater visibility over authorised gaming businesses and their financial operations.
