Efforts to safeguard the integrity of Kenyan sport have gained momentum after a bill seeking to criminalise match-fixing formally entered Parliament.
The Sports (Amendment) Bill, 2026, sponsored by Senator Irene Mayaka, was read for the first time, marking the beginning of the legislative process aimed at outlawing the manipulation of sporting competitions in the country.
If enacted, the proposed law will amend the existing Sports Act to explicitly prohibit match-fixing and introduce criminal penalties for individuals found guilty of influencing the outcome of sports competitions.
The proposal follows months of legislative preparation and advocacy aimed at addressing growing concerns about integrity in Kenyan sport. On July 22, 2025, Senator Mayaka appeared before the Parliamentary Sports Committee during the pre-publication scrutiny stage, where she defended the bill and stressed the need for stronger legal safeguards.
At the time, she warned that match-fixing had become an increasing threat to local competitions, eroding public trust and exposing athletes and sports institutions to manipulation by illegal betting networks.
A key component of the proposed legislation is the introduction of a clear legal definition of sports manipulation. The bill defines match manipulation as any act where a person offers, gives, solicits or receives financial or other benefits in order to improperly influence the result, progress or conduct of a sporting competition.
The definition also covers situations where individuals conspire to manipulate sporting events, intentionally underperform, or fail to compete fairly in order to achieve predetermined results. Additionally, the misuse of insider information for betting purposes or influencing competition outcomes is also classified as manipulation under the proposed law.
The bill further seeks to strengthen the powers of sports regulatory bodies in the country. Under the proposed amendments, sports authorities will be allowed to receive and process reports from individuals who suspect manipulation of competitions. They will also have authority to investigate such cases in collaboration with relevant investigative agencies.
Investigations into alleged match-fixing will be required to be concluded within six months after a report has been filed.
The legislation also proposes expanding the jurisdiction of the Sports Disputes Tribunal, allowing it to hear appeals related to decisions made by sports authorities concerning manipulation of competitions.
One of the most notable provisions in the bill is the introduction of criminal penalties. Individuals found guilty of directly or indirectly manipulating sports competitions could face fines of up to Ksh1 million, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
The penalties will apply to athletes, officials, administrators and any other individuals involved in influencing the outcome of sporting competitions.
Following its first reading, the bill will now move to the public participation stage, where sports stakeholders and members of the public will be invited to submit their views.
If eventually passed into law, the proposed legislation could significantly strengthen transparency, accountability and integrity within Kenya’s sports sector.
