This archive report was first published on 2 September 2019.
As the new Kenyan Premier League season gets underway, it's clear that the sport is facing a major crisis. The last season was marked by a crowded and challenging schedule, but the changes made to the league calendar have brought a welcome sense of normalcy.
However, the current season is shaping up to be a disaster. The league has failed to attract a title sponsor, and the fallout between betting companies and tax officials has had a devastating impact on the sport.
The dispute between the Kenya Revenue Authority and the gaming companies has been ongoing for some time, and it's clear that it's having a major impact on the football league. The lack of a title sponsor is a major blow, and teams are struggling to find alternative sources of funding.
It's not just the financial implications that are a concern - the dispute is also having a negative impact on the sport as a whole. The English Premier League, for example, has 10 shirt sponsors that are betting companies, and they seem to be functioning perfectly within the law.
So why is it that in Kenya, the same companies are being shunned? The answer lies in the tax regime, and the way that the term 'winnings' is defined. It's clear that the government is seeking to impose a tax on the gaming companies, but the dispute is being handled in a heavy-handed way.
The result is a season of distress for the footballing fraternity. Teams are struggling to find the funds to honour away matches, and the annual Everton excursions into East Africa are likely to be cancelled. It's a scary time for football fans in Kenya, and it's clear that something needs to be done to resolve the dispute.
Let's hope that the Kenya Revenue Authority and the gaming companies can come to a conclusion soon, and that sports can survive in this country.
