Kenya Moves to Criminalise Match-Fixing With Tough New Penalties

Kenya is taking a decisive stand against sports corruption with a powerful new bill targeting match-fixers. Under the proposed Sports (Amendment) Bill, 2026, individuals who manipulate sports competitions could face fines of up to Ksh1 million, a full year in jail, or both.

The legislation turns match manipulation into a serious criminal offense. Sponsored by Nominated MP Hon. Irene Nyakerario Mayaka, the bill introduces severe consequences to protect fair play across all sporting events in the country.

A Broader Scope on Sports Fraud

Match-fixing occurs when individuals deliberately alter a game -or specific moments within it- to secure a predetermined outcome, usually for financial gain. This corruption appears in various forms, such as players intentionally underperforming, referees slanting decisions, or third parties offering bribes.

The 2026 amendment expands the legal definition of sports manipulation to cover:

• Fixing final scores or specific match occurrences

• Offering or accepting bribes

• Deliberately underperforming on the field

• Trading or using insider betting information

• Coercing or threatening participants to shape competition outcomes

Stiff Sanctions Beyond Criminal Courts

Offenders will face penalties far beyond courtroom fines and jail time. Athletes, sports clubs, and officials caught manipulating games risk forfeiting matches, serving long-term suspensions, or receiving lifetime bans from regulated sports. Furthermore, authorities will confiscate any money or benefits acquired through illegal match-fixing schemes.

The draft law equips Sports Kenya with stronger investigative powers. The agency will receive official reports and collaborate directly with law enforcement agencies to probe suspected corruption.

The law mandates that Sports Kenya complete all investigations within six months while granting affected parties the right to appeal through the Sports Disputes Tribunal.

Cracking Down on High-Profile Scandals

This legislative push comes at a crucial moment for Kenyan sports, particularly football. A Harambee Stars goalkeeper recently faced scrutiny after a leaked video allegedly showed him negotiating match outcomes. In a separate incident, FIFA ordered the relegation of Muhoroni Youth Football Club after finding the team guilty of match manipulation activities.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed warmly welcomed the proposed law, noting that it provides essential legal backing to clean up local leagues.

“This Bill strengthens our fight against match-fixing and manipulation in sports. It is a win for the integrity of the game,” Mohammed said, congratulating Mayaka for driving the legislation and Parliament for prioritizing sports integrity.

Lawmakers insist that illegal manipulation deceives passionate fans, destroys sportsmanship, and damages Kenya’s international reputation, especially as illicit betting interests grow. As the Sports (Amendment) Bill, 2026, advances through Parliament, Kenya moves one step closer to establishing an airtight legal system to prosecute offenders and restore trust in the game.

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