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Kenya moves closer to tougher sports laws as MPs back Match-Fixing Bill
30th July, 2026 09:15 AM
Kenya has moved closer to introducing tougher laws aimed at protecting the integrity of sports after the National Assembly approved the Second Reading of the Sports (Amendment) Bill, 2026, sponsored by Nominated Member of Parliament (MP) Irene Mayaka.
The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen the Sports Act by creating a comprehensive legal framework to identify, investigate and punish individuals involved in manipulating sporting competitions.
If enacted, the law will clearly define sports competition manipulation to cover offences such as match-fixing, bribery, deliberate underperformance, the misuse of confidential betting information, intimidation, threats and any other conduct intended to unfairly influence the outcome of sporting events.
A key provision of the Bill gives Sports Kenya the authority to receive complaints and investigate suspected cases of sports competition manipulation in collaboration with other relevant agencies. Investigations will be expected to be concluded within six months to ensure cases are handled promptly.
The legislation also proposes the introduction of a new offence under Section 64A of the Sports Act. Anyone convicted of manipulating sports competitions could face a jail term of up to one year, a fine of up to KSh1 million, or both.
Beyond criminal sanctions, the Bill outlines a range of disciplinary measures for athletes, clubs and other individuals found culpable. These include the forfeiture of match results, exclusion from competitions, lifetime bans from participating in sports activities and the confiscation of any financial gains obtained through the offence.
Handling sports manipulation
The proposed law further provides that appeals against decisions made by Sports Kenya on cases of sports competition manipulation will be handled by the Sports Disputes Tribunal.
The Bill was seconded by Mwingi West Member of Parliament Charles Nguna, who serves on the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture, before lawmakers voted in favour of its Second Reading.
It will now move to the Committee of the Whole House, where Members of Parliament will examine each clause in detail and consider any proposed amendments before it is returned to the House for its Third Reading and final vote.
Should Parliament pass the legislation, it will be forwarded to President William Ruto for assent before taking effect as law.
The proposed amendments come at a time when sports stakeholders have intensified calls for stronger legal measures to curb match-fixing and other forms of competition manipulation, with the aim of safeguarding fairness, credibility and public confidence in Kenyan sport.
