Stakeholders back bill to criminalize match-fixing in Kenya

The Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture has commenced stakeholder consultations on the Sports (Amendment) Bill, 2026, sponsored by nominated legistator Irene Mayaka, with key sports sector institutions expressing support for the proposed law while recommending several amendments to strengthen its implementation.

The session, chaired by Committee Chairperson Dan Wanyama, brought together representatives from the Office of the Attorney-General and Department of Justice, the State Department for Sports, Kenya Academy of Sports, Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), the Association of Gaming Operators Kenya, the Sports Disputes Tribunal and Athletics Kenya.

The Bill seeks to amend the Sports Act, Cap. 223, primarily to prohibit and criminalize the manipulation of sports competitions, a growing concern globally due to its impact on the integrity and credibility of sporting events according to Mayaka.

Stakeholders unanimously supported the proposed legislation but urged Parliament to broaden its scope to address emerging threats to sports integrity beyond match-fixing.

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya noted that threats such as doping, corruption, fraud and other unethical practices also undermine confidence in sport and should be captured within the proposed framework.

A key proposal from stakeholders was the expansion of the mandate of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya.

ADAK representatives argued that the agency already possesses the investigative structures, intelligence systems and technical expertise required to handle sports integrity matters.

They proposed that the agency be transformed into a broader National Sports Integrity and Anti-Doping Agency to oversee investigations, intelligence gathering and enforcement related to competition manipulation and other integrity violations.

Stakeholders further recommended amendments that would empower the agency to initiate investigations independently without waiting for formal complaints. According to the submissions, this would enable timely intervention in cases where sports integrity is threatened but no report has been lodged.

On dispute resolution, participants observed that the Bill’s provisions on appeals relating to competition manipulation are too narrow and should be expanded to cover a wider range of sports integrity disputes.

However, stakeholders noted that existing provisions under the Anti-Doping Act already provide a robust appeals mechanism through the Sports Disputes Tribunal.

The Kenya Academy of Sports also called for a clearer delineation of responsibilities in talent identification and development, cautioning against duplication of roles between sports institutions.

Stakeholders emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among sports organizations to ensure coordinated talent nurturing and development.

Further recommendations focused on international participation and athlete support, with submissions proposing that sports federations take a leading role in preparing teams for international competitions while Sports Kenya provides logistical support.

Stakeholders also urged that matters relating to work permits, visas and tax exemptions for athletes remain within the mandates of relevant government agencies to avoid institutional overlap.

The Committee is expected to consider the views presented before preparing its report on the Sports (Amendment) Bill, 2026, ahead of further consideration by the House.