Government Vows Strict Crackdown on Non-Compliant Betting Operators Over Data Protection Failures
Quote from Lawyer on May 14, 2026, 6:44 amThe Kenyan government has issued a strong warning to betting and gaming companies, stating that they must fully comply with data protection and licensing requirements or risk losing their operating licences. This comes as official data reveals widespread non-compliance in a rapidly expanding sector that handles vast amounts of personal user information.
ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo raised the alarm while appearing before the Senate plenary on Wednesday, May 13. He highlighted that out of 224 gaming and betting firms identified by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, only 15 are fully registered as both data controllers and data processors. Another 13 firms are partially registered, five are operating with expired certificates, six are still in the process of registration, and the remaining 185 firms have no registration at all.
Kabogo emphasised that the government will take firm enforcement action against non-compliant operators. This includes potential cancellation of operating licences for those failing to meet the necessary standards. He noted that his ministry is collaborating closely with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner and the Betting Control and Licensing Board on a coordinated push to enforce compliance. Progress on these efforts will be reported back to the Senate.
The Cabinet Secretary pointed out that these firms manage large volumes of personal data, which has raised serious concerns regarding adherence to the Data Protection Act, 2019. Some gambling applications and promotional platforms have also been flagged for targeting vulnerable users, including minors, with betting content.
Kabogo acknowledged the broader challenges in regulating digital platforms that collect and process sensitive user information. He stressed the need to better safeguard children from harmful online exposure. The government is working to strengthen oversight in the sector, which has experienced significant growth in digital betting and online gaming platforms.
Under the Data Protection Act, non-compliant firms could face penalties of up to Sh5 million or one percent of their annual turnover, depending on the severity of the breach.
During the Senate session, legislators expressed worries about weak enforcement of existing regulations and the growing exposure of young people to online gambling advertisements. In response, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy is conducting a national review on child online protection and safety. The findings from this review will help shape future regulatory measures to address these issues.
This development signals a tougher stance from authorities to bring order to Kenya's booming betting industry while prioritising user data security and the protection of vulnerable groups.
The Kenyan government has issued a strong warning to betting and gaming companies, stating that they must fully comply with data protection and licensing requirements or risk losing their operating licences. This comes as official data reveals widespread non-compliance in a rapidly expanding sector that handles vast amounts of personal user information.
ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo raised the alarm while appearing before the Senate plenary on Wednesday, May 13. He highlighted that out of 224 gaming and betting firms identified by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, only 15 are fully registered as both data controllers and data processors. Another 13 firms are partially registered, five are operating with expired certificates, six are still in the process of registration, and the remaining 185 firms have no registration at all.
Kabogo emphasised that the government will take firm enforcement action against non-compliant operators. This includes potential cancellation of operating licences for those failing to meet the necessary standards. He noted that his ministry is collaborating closely with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner and the Betting Control and Licensing Board on a coordinated push to enforce compliance. Progress on these efforts will be reported back to the Senate.
The Cabinet Secretary pointed out that these firms manage large volumes of personal data, which has raised serious concerns regarding adherence to the Data Protection Act, 2019. Some gambling applications and promotional platforms have also been flagged for targeting vulnerable users, including minors, with betting content.
Kabogo acknowledged the broader challenges in regulating digital platforms that collect and process sensitive user information. He stressed the need to better safeguard children from harmful online exposure. The government is working to strengthen oversight in the sector, which has experienced significant growth in digital betting and online gaming platforms.
Under the Data Protection Act, non-compliant firms could face penalties of up to Sh5 million or one percent of their annual turnover, depending on the severity of the breach.
During the Senate session, legislators expressed worries about weak enforcement of existing regulations and the growing exposure of young people to online gambling advertisements. In response, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy is conducting a national review on child online protection and safety. The findings from this review will help shape future regulatory measures to address these issues.
This development signals a tougher stance from authorities to bring order to Kenya's booming betting industry while prioritising user data security and the protection of vulnerable groups.