This archive report was first published on 1 November 2019.
November 1, 2019, marks a significant day for the over 400 employees who were sacked by SportPesa in October. The betting firm has recalled them for a meeting at its head office in Nairobi, leaving many hopeful that they may get back their jobs.
According to an email sent by the company's head of human resource, Terry Wanja Njagi, the ex-employees are expected to report to Chancery Building on Valley Road on Friday. The email advised them to withdraw the termination notices issued to them on October 2, 2019.
When contacted by the Nation, SportPesa's CEO, Ronald Karauri, declined to comment on the matter. However, in a previous statement, the company expressed optimism that it would get back its operating licence, which was withdrawn in July due to alleged tax arrears of Sh14 billion.
The permit was withdrawn after the firm failed to remit the tax arrears to the Kenya Revenue Authority. SportPesa had been out of business for nearly three months before it closed operations in Kenya due to what it termed as 'tough regulations', including higher taxation and advertising guidelines.
