Players caught in match-fixing risk jail, Sh1 million fine

Persons engaged in acts of match-fixing or manipulation of sporting competitions in the country now face tough penalties ranging from a lifetime ban from sporting competitions or regulated gaming to jail time.

This, after the National Assembly on Wednesday passed the Sports (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to criminalise practices that compromise the fairness and credibility of competitions. The Bill, sponsored by Nominated MP Irene Mayaka, also aims to protect athletes from the growing threat of match-fixing, which not only undermines public confidence in sporting events but also threatens the livelihoods and careers of athletes who compete fairly.

The Bill stipulates that a person who participates directly or indirectly or aids, enables, or assists in the manipulation of a sports competition commits an offence and shall be liable, on conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to a fine not exceeding Sh1 million or both.

Where a professional sports person or a club engages in match-fixing or manipulation of a competition, the club or association to which they belong may be sanctioned with the forfeiting of the match in question or may be declared ineligible to participate in a different competition, provided the integrity of the competition is protected.

“Where the offender is a club or a professional sports person, they may be punished with additional disciplinary measures, additional sanctions, including a lifetime ban from participation in regulated gaming or sporting events by the relevant regulatory body,” adds the Bill.

It further states that any proceeds or benefits gained as a result of sports manipulation shall be subject to forfeiture.

To put in perspective, the Bill explains that the manipulation of a sports competition means the action where a person offers, gives, solicits or receives an undue advantage, whether financial or otherwise, with the intent to improperly influence the result, progress, conduct, or any other aspect of a sports competition;

Anyone who conspires to manipulate or participates in the manipulation of a sporting event, intentionally fails to perform to the best of then abilities to achieve a pre-determined outcome or misuses insider information for betting or manipulation purposes will also be subject to the tough penalties prescribed by the Bill. The same will apply to anyone who facilitates, induces or threatens a person to engage in manipulation of a sports competition.

To ensure the implementation of the deterrent measures, the Bill further expands the mandate of Sports Kenya- the gaming regulatory body in the country- to include receiving any reports from any person who suspects acts of manipulation in any sports competition and to conduct investigations of alleged manipulation in sports competition m collaboration with other investigative agencies.

“...the investigations by Sports Kenya shall be conducted within six months of receiving the report on manipulation of a sports competition,” adds the Bill. It however provides an option of appeal for anyone implicated in manipulation of sporting competitions.

During the debate of the Bill, lawmakers had expressed their support for the same,  simultaneously pointing out that gaps in law had previously made it hard to address the issue of match-fixing and manipulation in sporting competitions.

Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna pointed out that Kenya’s penal code currently treats match manipulation under broad, ineffective provisions.

“The Penal Code (Cap 63) covers general fraud like cheating, but has no dedicated match-fixing provision. Hon. Irene Mayaka did extensive research in countries like Italy and Brazil,” said MP Nguna.

“In Brazil, any involvement with match manipulation amounts to two to six years in prison, but here in Kenya, we don't have such safeguards. We are proposing these legislative amendments to align with international standards and bring integrity back to our sports fraternity,” he added.

Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu brought to the fore the devastating impact of match-fixing on the impacts on the Kenyan economy and fans of the sporting competitions.

“This animal called sports manipulation or fixing of matches is a common problem and should be a matter of concern to every Kenyan. It takes a lot of time to train to be an excellent sportsperson and when we allow match-fixing, that effort is not rewarded accordingly,” stated MP Mulu.

“Imagine you have gone to a stadium, paid for your ticket hoping to get the best out of the match and at the end of the day, an inferior team wins because of fixing.”

The lawmaker opined that the Bill be reviewed further to increase the Sh1 million penalty for those found culpable.

The Bill now awaits Presidential assent before it can become law.