Kenya MPs Pass Bill to Criminalise Match-Fixing: What It Means for Football

Kenyan football has taken a significant step in the fight against match-fixing after the National Assembly passed the Sports (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which makes manipulation of sports competitions a criminal offence. The bill, sponsored by Nominated MP Irene Mayaka, still needs to complete the remaining legislative stages and receive presidential assent before it becomes law.

What the bill says

For the first time, Kenyan law would define manipulation of a sports competition. The definition covers offering, giving or receiving an undue advantage to influence a result, conspiring to fix a competition, deliberately underperforming to reach a predetermined outcome, and using inside information for betting.

Anyone convicted could face a fine of up to Sh1 million, up to one year in prison, or both. Clubs and individuals could also face sporting sanctions, including forfeiture of matches, disqualification from competitions, forfeiture of any money gained and, in serious cases, lifetime bans from regulated sport.

How cases would be investigated

The bill allows Sports Kenya to receive reports of suspected manipulation and investigate them with agencies such as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Investigations must be completed within six months, and decisions can be appealed to the Sports Disputes Tribunal.

This matters because federations have until now relied mainly on sporting sanctions such as suspensions. A criminal offence gives police and prosecutors clearer powers when fixing involves people outside football, such as betting syndicates or intermediaries.

Kenyan football's match-fixing history

Kenyan football has faced several integrity cases in recent years. In 2021, FKF suspended several people linked to Zoo Kericho after match-fixing investigations, and FIFA also sanctioned the club. Match officials have faced suspensions over allegations of manipulating results, and in March 2025 FKF provisionally suspended Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi while it investigated allegations that followed a video circulated online.

These cases led administrators, clubs and other stakeholders to call for laws that treat fixing as a crime rather than only a disciplinary issue.

Why it matters now

The growth of sports betting has increased the risk of organised networks trying to influence matches, especially where players and officials are poorly paid or paid late. Criminal penalties could act as a stronger deterrent and make it easier for football authorities to work with law enforcement.

How much difference the law makes will depend on enforcement. Clear reporting channels, protection for whistleblowers and education for players and referees will be just as important as the penalties.

Frequently asked questions

Is match-fixing a crime in Kenya?

The Sports (Amendment) Bill, 2026, passed by the National Assembly, would make sports manipulation a criminal offence once it completes the legislative process and receives presidential assent.

What is the penalty for match-fixing under the bill?

A convicted person could be fined up to Sh1 million, jailed for up to one year, or both, in addition to sporting sanctions.