MPs back Bill to criminalise match-fixing in Kenya

Members of Parliament have passed the Sports (Amendment) Bill, 2026 at Second Reading, inching closer to criminalising match-fixing and manipulation of sports competitions in the country.

The Bill, sponsored by MP Irene Mayaka, seeks to amend the Sports Act by introducing a clear legal framework to define, investigate and punish acts that compromise the integrity of sporting events.

If it becomes law, regulatory bodies will be granted investigative powers, while also introducing tough penalties for offenders, with individuals found guilty facing a prison term of up to one year, a fine of up to KSh1 million, or both.

Presenting the motion on the floor of the House, Mayaka highlighted that current statutory provisions leave the country vulnerable to sports manipulation syndicates, relying solely on internal federation actions that lack criminal weight.

“This is also to protect the integrity of athletics, clubs, fans and sponsors as well. If you look at the current Sports Act (Cap 223), it does not contain any explicit provisions to criminalise sports manipulation.”

“Internal sporting bodies are often unequipped to handle organised criminal syndicates, this is where the criminal aspect comes into play so that specific criminal investigation bodies in the country can be charged with ensuring proper investigations,” Mayaka noted.

Under clause three of the bill, Sports Kenya will be empowered to receive reports, initiate inquiries and collaborate with national investigative agencies to conclude probes within a strict six-month timeline.

Seconding the motion, 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.”

“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,” said Nguna.

Supporting the debate, Kitui Central MP Dr. Makali Mulu emphasised the economic and ethical harm that match-fixing inflicts on players and fans alike.

“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.”

“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.”

“While the bill proposes a fine of ksh 1 million, I believe this should be enhanced further during subsequent stages so that the penalty becomes even more punitive,” Mulu argued.

When individuals are caught on this, they will face fines of up to KSh1 million, a one-year jail term or even both alongside lifetime bans.

Having sailed through the second reading, the Sports Amendment Bill 2026 now moves to the committee of the whole house stage, where MPs will review clause-by-clause proposals and consider amendments before the final vote.