The Sports (Amendment) Bill, 2026 has been introduced in the National Assembly. The Bill, sponsored by Hon. Irene Mayaka, seeks to criminalise the manipulation of sporting competitions and strengthen institutions responsible for safeguarding integrity in sports.

If passed, the proposed law will, for the first time, provide a clear legal framework to deal with match manipulation, an issue that has increasingly threatened the credibility of sporting competitions both locally and internationally.

In the Bill, manipulation of a sports competition will include actions such as offering or receiving bribes to influence the outcome of a match, deliberately underperforming to alter results, conspiring with others to fix competitions, or misusing insider information for betting purposes. The proposed definition closes gaps that have previously made it difficult to prosecute offenders, effectively making fair play a legal obligation rather than merely a sporting principle.

The legislation also seeks to strengthen the mandate of Sports Kenya, giving the agency authority to receive reports of suspected match manipulation and investigate them in collaboration with other law enforcement and regulatory bodies. To ensure cases are handled expeditiously, the Bill requires that investigations be concluded within six months.

In addition, the Bill expands the jurisdiction of the Sports Disputes Tribunal. Athletes, clubs and other stakeholders who feel aggrieved by decisions made by Sports Kenya on matters related to match manipulation will be able to appeal before the Tribunal, providing a structured dispute resolution mechanism within the sports sector.

Among far-reaching provisions are the sanctions proposed for offenders. Individuals found guilty of manipulating sports competitions could face a fine of up to Sh1 million, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.

Further more, professional players and clubs implicated in such activities could face disciplinary measures including forfeiture of matches, suspension from competitions, or even lifetime bans from regulated sporting events.

The Bill further provides that any financial gain derived from manipulating sports competitions will be confiscated by the state, denying offenders the proceeds of illegal activities.

Kenya’s sports sector, particularly football and athletics, has faced growing scrutiny in recent years over allegations of match-fixing.

If enacted, the legislation will reinforce transparency, accountability and fairness in sports, ensuring that competition outcomes are determined by talent and effort rather than manipulation.