Kenya could soon have its first comprehensive legal framework to tackle match-fixing after lawmakers advanced the proposed Sports (Amendment) Bill, 2026, legislation aimed at criminalising sports manipulation, protecting whistleblowers and strengthening investigations into integrity-related offences.
The Bill, sponsored by Nominated MP Irene Mayaka, has sparked debate over which institution should be responsible for investigating suspected match-fixing cases, with stakeholders divided between Sports Kenya and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Debate Over Investigative Powers
Under the current draft of the Bill, Sports Kenya would be granted investigative powers to handle suspected cases of sports manipulation.
However, Mayaka revealed that submissions received during public participation raised concerns over whether Sports Kenya is sufficiently independent to oversee such investigations.
According to the legislator, several sports federations recommended that investigative powers instead be transferred to the DCI and specialised police units.
“There’s been feedback from public participation that a lot of federations feel the investigative power should not lie with Sports Kenya because they feel they’re not independent enough,” Mayaka said.
The proposal will now be considered during the Committee of the Whole House, where MPs are expected to debate possible amendments before the Bill proceeds to its Third Reading in the National Assembly.
First Law to Criminalise Match-Fixing
Mayaka said the legislation is necessary because Kenya currently lacks a specific law making match-fixing a criminal offence.
She argued that the legal gap has allowed perpetrators to operate with little fear of prosecution.
“The major reason is because we have never had any laws that make it a criminal act. So people feel like they can get away with it,” she said.
If passed, the Bill would establish a legal basis for investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in manipulating sporting events.
Whistleblower Protection Included
Another key provision of the proposed law is legal protection for whistleblowers.
Mayaka said insiders are often the only people capable of exposing organised match-fixing syndicates, making their safety essential to successful investigations.
“The whistleblowers are the people who will be able to fish out the people behind it. If they don’t have protection under the law, then they can’t do it,” she said.
The proposed safeguards aim to encourage athletes, officials and other insiders to report suspicious activity without fear of retaliation.
Clubs Welcome Reforms but Call for Enforcement
Nairobi City Stars Chief Executive Officer Patrick Korir welcomed the proposed reforms but stressed that legislation alone will not solve the problem unless authorities actively enforce the law.
Korir warned that match-fixing has already caused severe financial damage to Kenyan football, forcing some clubs to shut down and discouraging investment.
“There are clubs that have actually shut down because of this vice. Nairobi City Stars right now we are just at the edge whether to continue or just stop playing because there’s no safe space for the investment,” Korir said.
Match-Fixing Continues to Threaten Kenyan Sport
Match-fixing has remained one of the biggest integrity challenges facing Kenyan sport, particularly football. Repeated allegations have damaged the credibility of domestic competitions, weakened public confidence and discouraged both sponsors and investors.
Supporters of the Sports (Amendment) Bill 2026 believe the proposed law would provide authorities with the legal tools needed to investigate, prosecute and deter sports manipulation while promoting transparency and accountability across Kenya’s sporting landscape.
FAQs
What is the Sports (Amendment) Bill 2026?
It is proposed legislation seeking to criminalise match-fixing, strengthen investigations into sports manipulation and protect whistleblowers in Kenya.
Who would investigate match-fixing under the Bill?
The current draft assigns investigative powers to Sports Kenya, although stakeholders have proposed transferring that responsibility to the DCI.
Why is the Bill important?
Kenya currently lacks a specific law making match-fixing a criminal offence, making it difficult to investigate and prosecute those involved.
What protections does the Bill offer?
The legislation proposes legal protection for whistleblowers who provide information on match-fixing and sports corruption.