Kenya Steps Up the Fight Against Match-Fixing with Prison Terms and Fines

Kenya.- 29th August 2026 www.zonadeazar.com Kenya has taken a new step in its strategy to protect the integrity of sports. The National Assembly approved the Sports (Amendment) Bill 2026, a reform that seeks to establish a specific legal framework to prevent, investigate, and punish match-fixing and other forms of manipulation of sports competitions.

The initiative, spearheaded by legislator Irene Nyakerario Mayaka, amends the Sports Act of 2013 and addresses the need for clearer legal tools to combat conduct that deliberately alters the course or outcome of a competition. Parliament itself noted when introducing the bill in March that the reform seeks to criminalize sports manipulation and strengthen the institutions responsible for protecting integrity.

Up to one year in prison and fines of KSh 1 million

One of the central aspects of the reform is the introduction of specific penalties for those who participate in the manipulation of competitions.

The bill stipulates that a person found guilty may face a fine of up to KSh 1 million, a prison term of up to one year, or both.

The scope of the legislation aims to go beyond athletes who directly participate in a competition and establish a framework capable of addressing the various individuals involved in match-fixing schemes.

A Specific Framework to Protect Integrity

The importance of the reform also lies in Kenya’s effort to incorporate into its sports legislation a specific definition and legal treatment for match-fixing.

When the bill was introduced, Parliament explained that it would, for the first time, provide a clear legal framework to address match-fixing—an issue considered a growing threat to the credibility of competitions at both the national and international levels.

The proposal includes mechanisms aimed at the prevention, investigation, and punishment of these practices and strengthens the role of institutions responsible for safeguarding sports integrity.

The bill now moves to the Senate

Approval by the National Assembly does not yet mean that the reform has taken effect.

After passing this legislative stage, the Sports (Amendment) Bill 2026 will be sent to the Kenyan Senate for consideration, meaning it must continue through the parliamentary process before becoming law.

The measure represents, however, a significant step forward in the institutional approach to match-fixing in Kenya and aligns with international efforts to strengthen prevention and response mechanisms against the manipulation of sports competitions.

Edited by: @MaiaDigital www.zonadeazar.com