This archive report was first published on 28 September 2019.
On September 28, 2019, Interior CS Fred Matiang'i suspended the licences of all betting agencies in Kenya, citing tax compliance issues.
Two months prior, 17 foreigners involved in illegal gambling were deported, marking the government's efforts to tame the betting craze.
While some betting firms have had their licences renewed, SportPesa and Betin have faced significant challenges, ultimately deciding to exit the Kenyan market.
Kenyan Twitter users expressed concern over the hundreds of jobs that would be lost as a result of the closures.
"Closure of Sportpesa & Betin is good … Poor Economy like Kenya can’t have its youth being misled that they can find riches in gambling instead of hard work … Betting & gambling are the most dangerous vices of a 3rd World Country.. We need technical colleges not betting shops!" wrote city lawyer Donald Kipkorir.
"The shutdown of sportpesa through government frustrations and intermeddling is a clear proof why multinationals are afraid of investing in the country," said @MUTANDALAW.
