Match-fixing to be criminalised under proposed Kenya Sports Law
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 23.07.25. | 07:32
Appearing before the committee, the lawmaker defended the proposal, describing it as a timely and necessary intervention to protect the credibility of Kenyan sports
Kenya's battle against match-fixing in Kenya has gained significant traction following the tabling of the proposed Sports Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, which seeks to criminalize sports manipulation and impose legal consequences on offenders.
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The bill, sponsored by nominated Member of Parliament Irene Nyakerario Mayaka, is currently under review by the Parliamentary Sports Committee.
Appearing before the committee, the lawmaker defended the proposal, describing it as a timely and necessary intervention to protect the credibility of Kenyan sports.
"This progressive bill marks a crucial step in safeguarding the integrity of sports in Kenya,” Mayaka posted on her official Facebook page.
“I emphasised the urgent need to address match-fixing—an unethical practice that erodes public trust, exploits athletes, and threatens the credibility of our leagues.”
She commended the committee for its open and inclusive approach to the bill and expressed confidence that, through collaboration, Kenya can build a more transparent, accountable, and fair sports ecosystem.
The proposed legislation follows a troubling surge in match-fixing cases that have cast a shadow over Kenyan football, particularly in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) and the National Super League (NSL).
In 2021, Zoo was expelled from the FKF-PL by FIFA after being found guilty of involvement in match manipulation.
The previous year, several players from Kakamega Homeboyz were implicated in similar misconduct. FIFA subsequently imposed bans on six players, including Ugandan international George Mandela, who received a lifetime suspension.
The trend has continued in recent seasons. In May 2024, FKF suspended five individuals, three referees, one player (Kevin Otieno Olang’o of FC Talanta), and one team manager (Abdulkarim Amele of Kibra United).
In March 2025, national team goalkeeper Patrick Matasi was provisionally suspended after a video emerged suggesting he had agreed to manipulate the result of an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. FKF, in collaboration with FIFA and CAF, opened investigations and imposed a 90-day ban, which has since expired.
Most recently, on May 2, 2025, Muhoroni Youth was expelled from the National Super League and relegated to Division One by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee for confirmed involvement in match manipulation.
If passed into law, the Sports Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 would mark a watershed moment in Kenya’s approach to tackling corruption in sport.
For the first time, match-fixing would be treated not just as a breach of football regulations but as a criminal offence, enabling courts to prosecute offenders under national law.
The bill is expected to provide a solid legal framework for combating sports manipulation and restoring confidence in Kenyan competitions.
