This archive report was first published on 14 July 2019.
On Sunday, SportPesa announced that it is in discussions with the Ministry of Interior and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to resume its services, which were suspended on Friday evening.
According to SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri, the company remains hopeful that an amicable solution will be reached soon to allow it to resume its services.
President Uhuru Kenyatta had stated on Saturday that the government would not revoke its decision to shut down the paybills and short codes for 27 betting firms until their licenses are renewed.
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) had not renewed the 2019/2020 licenses for the 27 betting firms for failing to meet requirements, including taxation compliance.
However, SportPesa insists that it has been fully compliant with all tax and legal requirements in Kenya.
On Friday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i directed regional and county police commanders to shut down and arrest operators of unlicensed gambling businesses.
