This archive report was first published on 28 September 2019.
On September 28, 2019, SportPesa, Kenya's largest sports gaming firm, announced its decision to cease operations in Kenya.
The move comes after the government imposed a 20% tax on all betting stakes, a decision that SportPesa claims has created a hostile business environment.
According to SportPesa, the tax is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of how revenue generation works in the bookmaker industry.
Until the government addresses the taxation issue and creates a non-hostile regulatory environment, SportPesa will halt operations in Kenya.
Just hours before SportPesa's announcement, Betin, the second-largest firm, declared its staff redundant, citing the firm's inability to operate since July 2019 due to a lack of license renewal.
The two firms were among several betting companies whose licenses were revoked by the government over a taxation row.
It is estimated that around 3,000 staff members, including those at Betin Shops, will be affected by the move.
