The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has called on the National Assembly to urgently pass a law to criminalize match-fixing in the country.
FKF President Nick Mwendwa addressed the National Assembly Committee for Sports and Culture, stressing that match-fixing poses a serious threat to the authenticity of the game and drives fans away.
Mwendwa highlighted that the FKF can only take action against match-fixers who are members of the federation, but there is currently no law to charge and punish individuals involved in match-fixing.
He urged the lawmakers to close this gap and take decisive action to protect football in Kenya.
“The Federation can only take action against match-fixers who are our members but this is not enough. We need to have people arrested and punished so we can end this vice. Today if we take a match-fixer to the police station, there is no law to charge these individuals. We are asking you to help us close this gap.” said Mwndwa.
According to FKF, match-fixing in Kenya is often orchestrated by syndicates operating mainly from Asia, who approach players and match officials to manipulate games. The federation has already suspended 25 individuals, including seven match officials and 18 players, as part of its efforts to combat match-fixing.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and the Arts, Jonathan Mueke, stated that the ministry is undertaking a comprehensive review of the National Sports Policy as a precursor to drafting legislation to address match-fixing.
“We want to do it right, we put in place the policy then draft legislation,” he said.
In response to FKF’s plea, the Chair of the Sports Committee, Dan Wanyama, assured that the committee would work towards delivering legislation that criminalizes match-fixing in Kenya.
Other members of the committee also attended the session and expressed their commitment to addressing this issue.
