Peter Maina Karimi has been named the new Director General of the Gaming Regulatory Authority (GRA) following a competitive recruitment process, the authority announced on Thursday.
GRA, formerly the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), confirmed the appointment through board chairman Joseph Limo.
“The Board of Directors of GRA is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Peter Maina Karimi as the new director general of the authority following the successful conclusion of a competitive recruitment process,” Limo said in a statement dated February 26.
Karimi emerged victorious over seven other shortlisted candidates to become the first substantive DG of GRA, following its transition from BCLB after President William Ruto enacted the Gaming Control Act 2025 last year. The Act regulates betting and gaming premises, licensing, lotteries, prize competitions, tax collection, and the eradication of illegal gambling.
Other candidates interviewed included Michael Kipkemei, Abdihakim Dere, John Mutua, Andrew Njeru, Amos Sikweya, John Osodo, and Edwins Otieno.
Karimi will succeed Peter Mbugi, who had been acting as DG but did not apply for the permanent role. Limo stated that Mbugi will be reassigned to a new position, to be announced later, and thanked him for his years of service and leadership during the transition from BCLB to GRA.
Karimi brings nearly 20 years of leadership experience spanning the gaming, telecommunications, mobile technology, payment systems, and digital services sectors. He is a founder of Acumen Communications Ltd, which previously launched the gaming platform mCHEZA and mobile payments platform Umsuka Capital Ltd, the latter of which was later shut down by the Communication Authority for non-compliance.
Limo highlighted Karimi’s extensive experience across more than 15 African markets, citing his expertise in commercial leadership, stakeholder engagement, business development, IT strategy, and people management.
Prior to his appointment, Karimi served as CEO of a technology company developing financial sector platforms and previously held senior regional roles at Societe BIC and Nokia International. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Strathmore University and is an alumnus of Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
“The board expresses full confidence that Karimi’s vast experience, commercial acumen, and proven ability to transform institutions will lead the Authority into a new era of modernization, integrity, and responsible gaming,” Limo said.
