This archive report was first published on 28 September 2019.
On September 28, 2019, Kenya's Interior CS Fred Matiang'i launched a crackdown on betting firms, citing tax compliance issues.
As part of the crackdown, Matiang'i announced that betting firms would undergo security vetting before their licenses could be renewed.
By April 2019, the CS had vowed to introduce tough measures to regulate the betting sector, which he accused of leading youth astray.
He gave all firms until July 1 to seek renewal of licenses, provided they could prove tax compliance certificates.
After the deadline passed, the government shut down the pay bill numbers of non-compliant betting firms in a bid to enforce the new regulations.
Despite court challenges and public outcry, only 10 licenses were renewed, with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) deeming these firms tax compliant.
Among the licensed firms was Odibets, which was cleared for operations and even implemented a 20 percent withholding tax on winnings.
Other licensed firms included Eazi Bet, Ken Bookmakers, Eastleighbet, Mozzartbet, Lucky 2u, Palms Bet, Bet boss, Kick off, and Easi bet.
However, the government declined to renew the licenses of betting giants Sportpesa and Betin, which have since announced their exit from the Kenyan market.
