A group of fourteen non-citizens, primarily originating from Eastern Europe and working for the sports wagering firm SportPesa, were expelled from Kenya at the direction of Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i. Apprehended during searches of SportPesa’s Nairobi locations, the individuals faced allegations of involvement in unlawful gaming activities and deficiencies in their work permits. These expulsions and office searches are components of a broader campaign against the gaming sector in Kenya, with authorities adopting a strict stance toward businesses like SportPesa that are viewed as non-compliant with regulations or remiss in meeting tax responsibilities. SportPesa, whose license was rescinded in 2019 over a tax disagreement but later reinstated operations under a different corporate entity, is presently entangled in legal conflicts with the government while striving to reverse the suspension of its Kenyan business activities.
The permit has expired.
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