This archive report was first published on 15 August 2019.
On August 15, 2019, the government made a significant move in the ongoing dispute between betting firms and the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). Mozzart Bet, one of the 27 affected companies, has had its operating licence renewed, bringing hope for a resolution to the month-long stand-off.
Mozzart Bet's licence was renewed under operating license number 000135 and Paybill number 290059, allowing the company to resume operations. This decision comes after Mozzart Bet chose to negotiate with BCLB on how to offset tax arrears rather than going to court.
The company operates shops in various locations, including Kayole, Kawangware, Westlands in Nairobi, and along Ronald Ngala street in the capital's CBD. The renewal of Mozzart Bet's licence is a significant development in the ongoing dispute, which has affected hundreds of employees and sports entities in the country.
According to sources, Mozzart Bet was given a clean bill of health by authorities after negotiating with BCLB. The company is now set to unveil its Sh10 million JackPot winner in Nairobi on Friday.
It is understood that 10 of the other affected betting firms are in negotiation with the government and could resume operations soon. The government has maintained that the decision to withdraw licences was informed by the banned companies' defaulted tax payments.
President Uhuru Kenyatta had earlier stated that the government must get its share to fund activities beneficial to the country. He made this statement on July 13, 2019, emphasizing the importance of tax payments.
