This archive report was first published on 26 September 2019.
Kenya's betting industry has been under intense scrutiny in recent months following a government crackdown led by Interior CS Fred Matiang'i over tax compliance.
On April, Matiang'i vowed to introduce tough measures to regulate the betting sector, which he accused of leading youth astray.
As part of the crackdown, Matiang'i gave all betting firms three months up to July 1 to seek fresh renewal of licenses upon proving tax compliance.
Following the deadline, the government shut down paybill numbers associated with betting firms in radical measures to ensure compliance to the new regulations.
Despite the companies moving to court and public outcry, only licenses of about 10 companies were renewed which were deemed to be tax compliant by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and subsequently given back their operational mandate by the Betting Control and Licence Board.
The Betting Licence and Control Board is yet to hand giant betting firm Sportpesa a greenlight to operate despite getting clearance from the Kenya Revenue Authority.
The fate of Betin on the other hand still remains unknown.
