High Court allows gambling regulator to implement contested fees
Kenya's High Court permits the Gambling Regulatory Authority to collect disputed licensing fees while a legal challenge proceeds.Summary
The Kenyan High Court has varied an earlier order that suspended the Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations, 2026, allowing the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya (GRAK) to implement the contested regulations and collect licensing fees pending the determination of a petition challenging their legality. The regulator argued that the suspension of fee provisions had paralyzed the licensing process, with 246 applications pending. The judge ruled that the fees are integral to the licensing framework and that no alternative legal mechanism exists following the repeal of the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act. The court emphasized public interest in maintaining a regulated gaming industry and accepted the regulator's undertaking to refund fees if the regulations are ultimately deemed unlawful. The petitioners, who challenge the sharp fee increases and the Cabinet Secretary's authority to make the regulations, argued that collection would cause irreparable harm to operators. The case is set for mention on September 21.
(Source：Business Daily)