Kenya’s National Assembly has passed the Sports (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing tough new penalties for match-fixing and sports manipulation. Offenders now face the risk of jail time and fines reaching Sh1 million, a significant escalation in the fight against corruption in sport.
The legislation requires investigations into suspected manipulation to be completed within six months and expands the powers of sports integrity bodies. It covers athletes, coaches, officials and anyone who deliberately underperforms or influences results for financial gain.
Football stakeholders have particularly welcomed the move. Match-fixing scandals have previously damaged the reputation of the Kenyan Premier League and lower tiers. The new law is expected to act as a strong deterrent and improve investor and sponsor confidence.
Sponsors and fans have long complained that unresolved integrity issues undermine the commercial value of local competitions. The Bill aligns Kenya more closely with international standards promoted by FIFA, the IOC and other global bodies.
Implementation will depend on effective investigation capacity and cooperation between the police, sports federations and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
Athletes’ representatives have called for education programmes so that young players understand the rules and the severe consequences of breaches. The passage of the Bill is being celebrated as a landmark moment for Kenyan sport. If enforced consistently, it could help restore public trust and create a cleaner environment for the next generation of athletes.