This archive report was first published on 14 August 2019.
As the government's ban on 27 betting companies takes effect, hundreds of employees are staring at job loss. The decision, made a month ago, has left many in limbo.
According to sources, employees of SportPesa and Betin, two of the affected firms, have been informed not to report to work, effectively making them jobless.
Another betting company has seen its foreign bosses leave the country without explanation or notice, leaving employees unpaid and in limbo.
The ban has also thrown the Kenyan Premier League into crisis, with SportPesa's withdrawal as title sponsor causing a halt in operations.
Employees of the league body are demanding two months' salary arrears, citing SportPesa as their only source of income.
“SportPesa was our only source of income at the moment so we will not be in a position to start the league,” said KPL Chief Executive Jack Oguda.
Similarly affected are Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, who fear they will be unable to pay their players' salaries due to the loss of SportPesa sponsorship money.
Football Kenya Federation is now actively seeking an alternative sponsor for the domestic cup.
