This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
September 20, 2019, marked three weeks since SportPesa was cleared by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), but the betting site remains shut down. Its loyal customers have been waiting impatiently for over two months.
According to the Betting Control and Licensing Board of Kenya (BCLB) Acting board director Peter Mbugi, SportPesa has not yet sent an application to BCLB for license renewal. Mr. Mbugi stated, 'SportPesa should apply afresh for a license. We will scrutinize the firm's license application after its made and make a decision on this just like we have done for many others.'
Unlike other firms, SportPesa took a longer time to be cleared by the taxman. Its rival Betin Kenya is yet to be cleared by the taxman. SportPesa and Betin were the leading gambling sites in the country before the government shut down their operations due to alleged tax fraud.
Business Today's feature about the low-key owners of the betting company has raised suspicions about SportPesa's delayed return, with many hinting that personal interests might be involved.
