The National Assembly has passed the Sports (Amendment) Bill, 2026, paving the way for tougher action against match-fixing and other forms of manipulation that threaten the integrity of Kenyan sport.

Sponsored by Hon. Irene Mayaka, the Bill seeks to amend the Sports Act, 2013, by introducing a clear legal framework for preventing, investigating and punishing manipulation of sporting competitions.

The legislation defines manipulation to include offering, giving or receiving an undue advantage to influence the outcome of a competition, conspiring to fix a result, deliberately underperforming and using insider information for betting.

The move is expected to strengthen efforts to protect athletes, clubs and fans from betting-related corruption while restoring confidence in the outcome of sporting contests.

The Bill also expands the mandate of Sports Kenya, empowering the agency to receive reports of suspected manipulation and undertake investigations in collaboration with other relevant agencies.

Investigations will be required to be completed within six months, providing a defined timeframe for handling cases and preventing prolonged investigations from undermining enforcement.

The legislation further expands the jurisdiction of the Sports Disputes Tribunal to hear appeals arising from decisions made by Sports Kenya on matters relating to manipulation of sporting competitions.

Under the proposed sanctions, individuals convicted of manipulating a sporting competition may face a fine of up to Sh1 million, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.

Clubs and professional players may also face sporting sanctions, including forfeiture of matches, disqualification from competitions and bans from regulated sporting events.

The Bill further provides for the forfeiture of financial gains or other benefits obtained through manipulation.

The legislation comes amid growing concerns over match-fixing and betting-related interference in sport, with Parliament seeking to ensure that sporting success is determined by talent and performance rather than illicit financial influence.