In a decisive move to protect the integrity of Kenyan sports, National Assembly Committee on Regional Integration Chairperson and nominated Member of Parliament (MP) Irene Mayaka is spearheading efforts to criminalise match-fixing.

On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Mayaka appeared before the Parliamentary Sports Committee to defend the Proposed Sports Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, during its prepublication scrutiny.

The bill seeks to introduce tough legal penalties for individuals involved in sports manipulation, marking a historic step toward cleaning up Kenya’s athletic competitions.

“Earlier today, I was honored to appear before the Parliamentary Sports Committee to defend my proposed legislation during the prepublication scrutiny of the Proposed Sports Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to criminalise sports manipulation, including match-fixing,” Mayaka said in a statement on X.

She emphasised that match-fixing erodes public trust, exploits athletes, and threatens the credibility of Kenyan leagues.

Recent scandals

The push for new legislation comes at a time when Kenyan football has been rocked by allegations of match-fixing. In March 2025, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) launched an investigation into goalkeeper Patrick Matasi following a controversial 4-1 loss to Cameroon in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Such incidents have exposed loopholes in the legal framework, with no existing laws providing for the prosecution of match-fixing in Kenya. According to a 2021 FIFA report, sports corruption costs the global industry over Ksh 129 billion annually, a figure that underscores the urgency of Mayaka’s proposed reforms.

Her bill aims to close these gaps by establishing clear criminal penalties for anyone found guilty of manipulating sports outcomes. This, she says, will help restore public confidence and protect athletes from exploitation.

Transparency and fairness

Mayaka praised the Parliamentary Sports Committee for its inclusive approach, noting that collaborative leadership is essential in creating a fair and accountable sports ecosystem.

“Grateful to the Committee for fostering open and inclusive dialogue. Together, we are laying the foundation for a more transparent, accountable, and fair sports ecosystem in Kenya,” she said.

Her initiative also highlights Kenya’s ongoing efforts to elevate women’s leadership in governance, in line with the 2010 Constitution’s gender quota mandate. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, women make up 23 percent of Kenya’s National Assembly as of 2023, with Mayaka standing out as a key voice in sports policy reform.

Looking ahead, Mayaka is optimistic about the bill’s potential to strengthen integrity and governance in sports, setting a precedent for accountability both locally and globally.