MPs pass bill to criminalise match-fixing in major boost for Kenyan football

Kenyan football has taken a significant step in the fight against match-fixing after the National Assembly passed legislation seeking to make manipulation of sporting competitions a criminal offence.

Lawmakers on Wednesday approved the Sports (Amendment) Bill, 2026, legislation designed to strengthen Kenya’s ability to investigate and punish individuals involved in fixing matches and other forms of sports manipulation.

The Bill, sponsored by Nominated Member of Parliament Irene Mayaka, now moves to the next stage of the legislative process and will require presidential assent before it becomes law.

If assented to, a person convicted of manipulating a sporting competition could face a fine of up to KSh1 million, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.

The proposed changes are significant for Kenyan football, where governing bodies have previously relied heavily on sporting sanctions when dealing with suspected match manipulation because of gaps in the country’s criminal law.

The legislation defines sports manipulation broadly, covering conduct such as offering or accepting bribes to influence a result, deliberately underperforming, conspiring to manipulate a competition and improperly using inside information for betting purposes.

The Bill is intended to give authorities a clearer legal framework for pursuing individuals involved in fixing sporting contests while complementing disciplinary action available to federations and international governing bodies.

Kenyan football has faced several high-profile integrity cases in recent years.

In 2021, Football Kenya Federation imposed indefinite suspensions on several individuals linked to Zoo Kericho following match-fixing investigations. FIFA also sanctioned the club over activities connected to manipulation of football matches and competitions.

Match officials have similarly faced suspensions over allegations of manipulating results in domestic competitions.

More recently, Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi was provisionally suspended by FKF in March 2025 as the federation investigated allegations of match manipulation following the circulation of a video online.

The allegations surrounding Kenyan football have repeatedly prompted calls from administrators, clubs and other stakeholders for legislation that allows suspected fixing to be treated as a criminal matter rather than solely as a football disciplinary issue.

The Sports (Amendment) Bill seeks to address that gap.

Its passage through the National Assembly represents an important legislative milestone, although the proposed provisions do not become law merely because MPs have approved the Bill. Presidential assent is still required before the amendments can take legal effect.

Supporters of the legislation believe criminal sanctions could provide a stronger deterrent against individuals and syndicates seeking to influence results for betting or other financial gain.

Match manipulation poses a particularly complex challenge because it can involve players, coaches, referees, officials, intermediaries and individuals operating outside football.

The expansion of sports betting markets has also increased concerns internationally over organised networks attempting to influence matches, particularly in competitions where players and officials may be financially vulnerable.

For Kenya, establishing a specific statutory offence could make it easier for sporting authorities to work alongside law-enforcement agencies when allegations involve conduct that extends beyond internal disciplinary rules.

The proposed framework also provides for sporting consequences in addition to possible criminal penalties. Depending on the circumstances, implicated players, clubs or other participants could face sanctions including suspensions, forfeiture of matches, exclusion from competitions or bans from regulated sporting activity.

The move comes amid a broader push to protect the credibility of domestic football as FKF works to strengthen governance and integrity structures across its competitions.

For clubs, players and supporters, successful implementation of the legislation could provide another layer of protection for the integrity of results and help rebuild confidence whenever allegations of manipulation emerge.

Attention will now turn to the remaining legislative process and, should the Bill receive presidential assent, how effectively the new provisions are enforced.