Fourteen individuals of foreign origin were expelled from Kenya due to their purported involvement in illicit wagering operations. This followed searches conducted at the premises of SportPesa, a well-known sports wagering enterprise. Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i directed the expulsion, indicating that the persons, mainly hailing from Eastern Europe, were under SportPesa’s employ.

Apprehensions transpired across three Nairobi locations, with the deported individuals facing allegations of unlawful betting and lacking proper work authorizations. These measures follow earlier-week raids executed by a combined force of government bodies and law enforcement on SportPesa’s offices. The officials aimed to secure documentation pertaining to the company’s recently revived online betting endeavors.

SportPesa is presently engaged in legal proceedings, seeking to reverse the government’s attempt to cease its Kenyan operations. Earlier this month, Matiang’i reiterated the government’s firm position against non-compliant betting and gaming firms, declaring, “We shall not retreat from the decisions already taken by the government. Kenyans can be assured of no reversal on this issue.”

This situation originates from a 2019 crackdown where SportPesa was among 19 operators whose permits were annulled due to tax disagreements with the Kenya Revenue Authority. The company endeavored to re-enter the market in October 2020 under a new entity, Milestone Games Limited, which obtained a license from the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). This recent event suggests continuing friction and examination within Kenya’s gaming sector.

The authorization has expired.