Kenya's Premier League asks gov't to review tax on betting firms

According to a letter signed by KPL CEO Jack Oguda, The Kenyan Premier League is one among many institutions in the country, that has benefited from sponsorship by betting firms and if this industry struggles to meet their business targets, they will be forced to withdraw funding to sporting institutions.

“Apart from Kenyan Premier League, four other football clubs, AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia, Mathare United and Sofapaka, are sponsored by betting firms and through the funding the league and the clubs have been able to meet the cost of operations of the various aspects that the sports sector demands,” the letter stated. Clubs are able to meet Match day expenses (hiring of government owned sports facilities, ambulances, police officers, ball boys, ticket firms, as well as PR & Marketing firms, Match Day travel and accommodation),” the messeage said.

Oguda said that the recent increase of taxes on betting firms would not only lead to a collapse of the sports sector but also other industries which rely on sports for their revenue.

"The gains made by the sports sector on the back of sponsorship from betting firms will therefore be negated and reversing the retrogression will not be easy even with the creation of the National, Sports, Culture and Arts Fund,” remarked Oguda.