Sponsored by Hon. Irene Mayaka, the Sports (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has been officially introduced in the National Assembly to criminalize the manipulation of sporting competitions for the first time in Kenya.
This landmark legislation aims to establish a clear legal framework to combat match-fixing, thereby safeguarding the credibility and integrity of both local and international sports in the country.
The bill precisely defines sports manipulation to include offering or accepting bribes, intentionally underperforming to alter match results, conspiring with others, and misusing insider information for betting purposes. Offenders will face severe penalties, including fines of up to Sh1 million, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
Additionally, professional athletes and clubs implicated in match-fixing may face disciplinary actions such as match forfeiture, suspension, or lifetime bans. Any proceeds gained from illegal activities will be confiscated by the state.
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To facilitate enforcement, Sports Kenya will be granted expanded investigative powers to scrutinize suspected cases in collaboration with law enforcement and regulatory agencies. The bill requires that all investigations be concluded within six months to ensure timely justice. Furthermore, the jurisdiction of the Sports Disputes Tribunal will be extended, allowing athletes, clubs, and stakeholders to appeal decisions made by Sports Kenya.
This legislative initiative comes amid growing scrutiny of Kenya’s sports sector, particularly in football and athletics, due to recent match-fixing allegations. If enacted, the law will transform the ideal of fair play from a mere sporting principle into a binding legal obligation, ensuring that competition outcomes are determined solely by talent and effort, free from manipulation.
