This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
On July 16, 2019, the Kenyan government issued a directive that has left SportPesa, a major betting company, unable to operate.
The directive, issued by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), required telecommunications companies to withdraw pay bill numbers and SMS codes of 27 betting companies, including SportPesa, Betin, and Betway.
SportPesa has protested the move, stating that it is illegal, malicious, and prejudicial. The company claims that it has complied with all tax and legal requirements, contrary to the government's claims.
According to SportPesa, the sanctions against it could have far-reaching consequences on the social and economic agenda of the country.
It is alleged that the 27 betting companies failed to prove that they were tax compliant, with a cumulative amount of Sh204 billion made in 2018 but only Sh4 billion paid in taxes.
