The announcement was made on Thursday by Board Chairman Joseph Limo, who confirmed that Karimi emerged as the successful candidate after a competitive recruitment process involving eight shortlisted applicants.

First Substantive DG Under New Gaming Law

Karimi becomes the inaugural substantive Director General of the GRA after its transformation from the former Betting Control and Licencing Board (BCLB). The restructuring followed the enactment of the Gaming Control Act 2025, signed into law last year by President William Ruto.

The new legislation establishes a revised framework for the control and licensing of betting and gaming premises, taxation mechanisms, authorization of lotteries and prize competitions, and measures aimed at curbing illegal gambling activities.

In a statement dated February 26, Limo said the Board was “pleased to announce the appointment” after the conclusion of what it described as a rigorous and transparent selection process. Karimi prevailed over seven other candidates, including Michael Kipkemei, Abdihakim Dere, John Mutua, Andrew Njeru, Amos Sikweya, John Osodo and Edwins Otieno.

Leadership Transition and Institutional Reform

Karimi will succeed Peter Mbugi, who has been serving in an acting capacity but did not apply when the permanent position was advertised. According to Limo, Mbugi will be reassigned to a new role within the authority, with further details to be communicated in due course.

The Board credited Mbugi for steering the regulator through the transition period from BCLB to GRA, a phase marked by structural reforms and regulatory recalibration.

Karimi brings close to two decades of leadership experience spanning the gaming, telecommunications, mobile technology, digital services and payment systems sectors. He is listed as a founder of Acumen Communications Limited, a company that previously launched the mCHEZA betting platform alongside mobile payments firm Umsuka Capital Ltd., which was later shut down by the Communications Authority of Kenya over compliance issues.

His professional background includes senior regional leadership roles at Societe BIC and Nokia International, overseeing operations across more than 15 African markets. Most recently, he served as chief executive officer of a technology company focused on financial sector products and digital platforms.

Karimi holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Strathmore University and is an alumnus of Stellenbosch University.

In endorsing the appointment, Limo said the Board is confident that Karimi’s commercial acumen and experience in institutional transformation will guide the regulator into “a new era of modernization, integrity and responsible gaming.”

The leadership change comes at a pivotal moment for Kenya’s gambling sector, as authorities seek to tighten oversight, enhance compliance standards and strengthen enforcement under the newly implemented legal framework.